Pupils 'unable to learn in hot classrooms', teachers claim The findings were published as the NASUWT debated a motion at its annual conference in Birmingham calling for new legislation to protect staff and pupils from hot classrooms and other work-related issues, including excessive hours, bullying and harassment and asbestos. Chris Keates, the union's general secretary, said: "NASUWT research has shown time and time again that teachers are facing serious health and safety risks in schools as a result of high levels of stress, school buildings which are outdated and not fit for purpose, the presence of asbestos and excessive classroom temperatures." But a Department for Education spokesman said: "All schools have to comply with workplace regulations on temperatures. There is therefore no need for further unnecessary regulation on this. The study found that around 95 per cent of teachers have faced temperatures of more than 24C and more than three quarters faced this heat on at least a quarter of the days during the survey period. Some 33 per cent faced temperatures of at least 30C. Almost half of those who took part - 44 per cent - said that temperatures of more than 24C affected pupils" ability to learn The motion called for the union to continue campaigning for legislation to protect the health and wellbeing of teachers, support staff and pupils, and the enforcement of statutory health and safety provisions.