Clever Clogs Pre-SchoolSafeguarding Children
Clever Clogs Pre-School
1.13 Hot Weather Policy
Policy Statement
Clever Clogs Pre-School is committed to protecting the health, safety and well-being of all children and staff during periods of hot weather. Young children can be particularly vulnerable to heat and dehydration, so we take appropriate steps to reduce the risks associated with high temperatures and prolonged exposure to the sun.
This policy sets out the procedures and responsibilities of the pre-school, staff and parents/carers to ensure children remain safe, comfortable and well during hot weather.
Purpose:
The purpose of this policy is to:
• Protect children from overheating, dehydration and sunburn.
• Promote children's health and well-being during hot weather.
• Ensure children have access to drinking water throughout the day.
• Provide appropriate opportunities for children to play in shaded or cooler areas.
• Ensure staff recognise the signs of heat-related illness and know what action to take.
• Work in partnership with parents/carers to keep children safe during periods of hot weather.
• Ensure appropriate adjustments are made to activities and routines when temperatures are high.
Procedures
During hot weather, staff will take reasonable and appropriate steps to keep children cool and comfortable.
Keeping Children Cool
The pre-school will take reasonable steps to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Where appropriate, windows, blinds, fans and ventilation will be used safely to help keep rooms cool.
Fans will be positioned safely and securely and will not be placed where children can access them or where they may present a trip or other safety hazard.
Children will be encouraged to participate in quieter activities during very hot periods. Physical activities will be limited or removed depending on the temperature.
Dressing up will not be available during hot periods to avoid children wearing excess clothing and therefore increasing the risk of overheating.
Sun Cream
Parents must apply sun cream to their child before coming into setting. A bottle of sun cream with the child’s full name should be available in their school bag for staff to apply through-out the day. Staff will only apply the child’s sun cream if the parent has previously signed the sun cream permission letter. Staff must wash their hands after applying sun cream to a child - this avoids any possible skin reactions to other children.
Hydration
Children will have access to drinking water/squash throughout the session and will be encouraged to drink regularly. We encourage children to be independent with drinking as much as possible but in extreme hot weather conditions, ‘Hydration breaks’ will be implemented through-out the day. Children will also be encouraged to drink after any physical activity.
Staff will monitor children for signs of dehydration, including unusual tiredness, irritability, dry lips or mouth, reduced urination or other changes in behaviour or appearance.
If a child is showing signs of dehydration or becoming unwell, staff will move the child to a cooler area, offer fluids where appropriate and monitor them closely. Parents/carers will be contacted if there are concerns about the child's health.
Recognising Heat-Related Illness
Staff will remain alert to signs that a child may be becoming overheated. These may include:
• Excessive sweating or unusually hot skin.
• Red or flushed skin.
• Headache or dizziness.
• Unusual tiredness, weakness or irritability.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Confusion or unusual behaviour.
• Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing.
• Becoming very sleepy, drowsy or unresponsive.
If a child appears seriously unwell, staff will follow the setting's emergency procedures and seek appropriate medical assistance. Parents/carers will be contacted as soon as possible.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor play is an important part of children's learning and development and we will continue wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Outdoor activities will be carefully considered according to the temperature, weather conditions and children's individual needs. Outdoor activities will be set up in the shade and will be moved through-out the day to ensure they remain in the shade as the sun moves. Children will be encouraged to spend time in shaded areas when outdoors and activities may be shortened or moved indoors during periods of particularly high temperatures or strong sunlight.
Where outdoor play is not considered safe due to extreme temperatures or weather conditions, children will be provided with suitable indoor activities and experiences instead.
Extreme Weather
When an official extreme weather warning is in place the manager will review the setting's activities and arrangements and decide whether additional measures are required.
This may include reducing outdoor play, keeping children indoors during the hottest periods or introducing more fans. We prioritise remaining open, however if we feel all procedures are not adequately keeping the indoor temperature at a safe level, we may temporarily reduce our opening hours or implement a full session closure.
Parents/carers will be informed of any significant changes to normal sessions as soon as possible and alternative sessions will be offered where possible.
Staff Responsibilities
All staff are responsible for following this policy and taking reasonable steps to protect children from the effects of hot weather.
Staff must:
• Monitor children regularly for signs of overheating or dehydration.
• Encourage children to drink water regularly.
• Follow sun protection procedures.
• Ensure children have appropriate access to shade and cooler areas.
• Adapt activities where necessary.
• Report any concerns about a child's health to the manager.
• Follow emergency procedures if a child becomes seriously unwell.
The manager is responsible for ensuring that appropriate risk assessments, procedures and resources are in place to manage hot weather safely.
Working in Partnership with Parents/Carers
Parents/carers are expected to provide their child with suitable clothing for hot weather, including cool, loose-fitting clothing and a suitable sun hat. Parents/carers should also apply sun cream before their child attends pre-school and provide additional sun cream in their bag which must be labelled. Parents must sign the sun cream permission letter when the child first starts, this allows staff permission to apply sun cream which is labelled with their name and located in their school bag.
The pre-school will communicate with parents/carers when weather conditions are expected to be particularly hot and will provide information about any changes to routines or activities where necessary.
Policy last reviewed: September 2026