Guidance for Schools and Early Years settings

This information is brought to you by Slough Borough Council's Early Years team, on behalf of the Department for Education, for the attention of all Schools and Early Years settings.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published updated guidance for schools and early years settings to help them.

This guidance is for those who manage or work in schools or early years settings and offers advice for looking after children in these settings during hot weather.

Children can be at risk from hot weather because of their physiology, behaviours and activity levels. Children potentially at greater risk include those aged under 4 years, with health conditions or taking certain medications.

Where a child has complex health conditions or clinical vulnerability, advice should be sought from their clinical team and shared with relevant staff. Further information about supporting children with medical conditions is available from the Department for Education (DfE).

Looking after children and those in early years settings before and during hot weather: teachers and other educational professionals - GOV.UK

Top tips: Hot weather safety in nursery - NDNA

Stay hydrated – offer water regularly and encourage children to drink, even if they say they’re not thirsty
Provide shade – set up shaded areas in your outdoor space using fabrics, tents, etc.
Dress for the weather – communicate with parents to ensure children come in in light, loose-fitting clothes to keep children cool and with hats to protect them from the sun. Remember that long sleeves and trousers protect children from the sun, along with hats which provide sun, ear and neck protection
Apply suncream – use SPF 50+ suncream and reapply every 2 hours, or more often if children are playing with water. Encourage parents to apply suncream prior to the child’s session. Ensure you have policies and agreements in place for reapplying suncream throughout the day
Cool indoor spaces – use fans, open windows (safely) and keep curtains/blinds closed to maintain a cool indoor environment
Limit physical activities – plan calmer activities during peak heat to avoid overheating
Water play – water play helps keep children cool
Watch for signs of heat illness – be alert for flushed skin, tiredness, headache and act quickly if symptoms appear
Remember to follow NHS guidance and keep babies and children out of direct sunshine between the hours of 11am and 3pm
Inform families – let parents know what you’re doing to keep children safe and how they can support sun safety at home. Share information from the Lullaby Trust and NHS.