Managing Extreme Weather Policy

At Winston’s Place Day Nursery, we have an extreme weather policy in place to ensure our nursery is prepared for all weather conditions that might affect the running of the nursery such as floods, snow and heat waves.

If any of this impacts on the ability of the nursery to open or operate, we will contact parents via Ovivio app.

This policy aligns with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS 2024) requirements for safeguarding, welfare, and suitable premises (EYFS, Statutory Framework 3.55, 3.58), Ofsted expectations for child safety and well-being, and Health & Safety at Work legislation (Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974).

We will not take children outdoors where we judge that weather conditions make it unsafe, in line with EYFS safeguarding guidance and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommendations for outdoor play.

Flood

In the case of a flood, we will follow our Critical incident policy to enable all children and staff to be safe and plan for continuity of care.

All actions during flooding will be conducted in accordance with EYFS welfare requirements, Health and Safety legislation, and local authority emergency guidance, with staff trained in evacuation and emergency procedures.

Snow or other severe weather

If high snowfall, or another severe weather condition such as dense fog, is threatened during a nursery day then the manager will decide whether to close the nursery. This decision will be recorded, including the rationale, in line with Ofsted and HR guidance on risk assessment and decision-making for child safety.

This decision will take into account the safety of the children, their parents and the staff team. In the event of a planned closure during the nursery day, we will contact all parents to arrange for collection of their child.

In the event of staff shortages due to snow or other severe weather:
• We will contact all available off duty staff and/or agency staff and group the children differently until they are able to arrive.
• Staffing will always be monitored to ensure statutory EYFS ratios are maintained, and any risk to children’s safety or welfare will result in closure if ratios cannot be safely met.
• All decisions regarding staff deployment, closures, or ratio adjustments will follow HR guidance on fair treatment, staff contracts, and health and safety obligations.

Heat wave

We are committed to ensuring that all children are fully protected from the dangers of too much sun and UV exposure, as severe sunburn in childhood can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.

Staff will make daily decisions about outdoor activity based on weather conditions, UV levels, and individual children’s needs, in line with EYFS welfare requirements and NHS guidance. Parents’ wishes regarding clothing, hats, and sun cream will be discussed and respected, in accordance with EYFS requirements on partnership with parents.

We follow guidance from the weather and UV level reports and use the following procedures to keep children safe and healthy in the sun:
• Children must have a clearly labelled sun hat which will be worn at all times whilst outside in sunny weather.
• Parents are requested to supply light-weight cotton clothing for their children suitable for the sun, with long sleeves and long legs
• Children’s safety and welfare in hot weather is the nursery’s prime objective so staff will work closely with parents to ensure all appropriate cream and clothing is provided
• Staff will make day-to-day decisions about the length of time spent outside depending on the strength of the sun (UV levels); children will not be allowed in direct sunlight between 11.00am – 3.00pm on hot days from March to October, following NHS sun safety advice
• Shaded areas are provided to ensure children are able to go out in hot weather, cool down or escape the sun should they wish to or need to
• Children will always have sun cream applied before going outside in the hot weather and at frequent intervals during the day
• Children are encouraged to drink water more frequently throughout sunny or warm days, and this will be accessible both indoors and out
• Children are made aware of the need for sun hats, sun cream and the need to drink more fluids during their time in the sun
• Key persons will work with parents to agree on suitable precautions for children with more sensitive skin types or higher sun tolerance

Vitamin D

Sunlight is important for the body to receive vitamin D. We need vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium and phosphate from our diet. These minerals are important for healthy bones, teeth and muscles. Our bodies create vitamin D from direct sunlight on our skin when we are outdoors. Most people can make enough vitamin D from being out in the sun daily for short periods with their hands or other body parts uncovered.

We also promote the NHS recommendation to parents that all children aged under 5 years should be given vitamin D supplements even if they do get out in the sun. Parents are informed of this guidance and encouraged to follow it to safeguard their child’s health.