Lydia Bright has spoken out once again after facing backlash over her criticism of school closures during the UK’s recent record-breaking heatwave, insisting her concerns are about supporting families—not attacking teachers.

The former TOWIE star, 35, shared a lengthy statement on Instagram after her comments dominated headlines and were debated across radio and television. While many disagreed with her original remarks, Lydia said she wanted to explain the real reason behind her frustration.

‘Last-Minute Closures Put Huge Pressure on Families’

More than 1,000 schools across England and Wales either closed completely or reduced their opening hours as temperatures soared to around 40°C.

Lydia, who shares six-year-old daughter Loretta with ex-partner Lee Cronin, said receiving a late-evening email announcing early school closures left her scrambling to arrange childcare while she was working overseas.

“As a single working mum, my life has to be organised down to the minute,” she explained.

She revealed that she only managed to make it work thanks to help from her parents, Loretta’s father and other relatives, all of whom had to change their own plans at short notice.

Concern for Essential Workers and Vulnerable Children

Lydia stressed that her concerns extend far beyond her own situation.

She described how her foster sister was unable to work at a care home because her child’s nursery also closed, arguing that thousands of frontline workers face similar challenges whenever schools shut unexpectedly.

The reality star also highlighted the important role schools play for vulnerable children.

Drawing on her experience advocating for children in care, Lydia said schools provide far more than education—they offer routine, safeguarding, support and, for many pupils, reliable access to meals and stability.

‘What Happens If Extreme Heat Becomes More Common?’

Rather than focusing on one isolated week of disruption, Lydia questioned whether climate change could make extreme heat and school closures a recurring problem.

She wrote:

“If climate change means periods of extreme heat become more common, could one week become two? Could school closures become a regular occurrence? And if they do, what will that mean for the children who rely on school the most?”

Lydia said the country needs practical, long-term strategies to keep schools operating safely instead of relying on last-minute announcements that leave parents with little time to adapt.

“We need long-term solutions, not last-minute emails.”

Public Opinion Remains Divided

The debate has quickly divided public opinion.

Many parents agreed with Lydia, saying sudden closures create impossible situations for working families and those employed in hospitals, care homes and other essential services.

Others defended schools, arguing that classrooms without adequate cooling can become dangerously hot and that staff have a responsibility to protect pupils during extreme weather.

The wider discussion has also raised questions about whether Britain’s schools are properly equipped to cope with increasingly frequent heatwaves and whether greater investment will be needed as the climate continues to change.

While opinions remain split, Lydia insists the conversation should now focus less on blame and more on finding sustainable solutions that protect children’s education while supporting working families.