Extreme Heat Policy
July 2026
LC Policy #23
Little Crumpets is committed to protect children, staff, and visitors from the harmful effects of excessive sun exposure and high temperatures. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of heat and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. We are committed to providing a safe environment that minimises the risks associated with hot weather while allowing children to enjoy outdoor play safely.
We aim to:
Protect children and staff from sunburn, heat exhaustion, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses.
Promote healthy sun safety habits.
Ensure children can continue to benefit from outdoor play safely during warm weather.
Meet our duty of care under health and safety legislation.
The main elements of this policy are:
∙ Protection: providing an environment that enables pupils and staff to stay safe in the sun.
∙ Education: learning about sun safety to increase knowledge and influence behaviour.
∙ Partnership: working with parents/carers, Directors, committee, staff and the wider community to reinforce awareness about sun safety and promote a safe and healthy play environment.
Protection
When the sun is strong, and it is hot we will encourage children to play in shade.
Hats where possible must be worn outside at all times by children and staff and children will be encouraged to wear clothes that provide good sun protection and that are loose clothing
Parents must apply sun cream before their child attends. At Little Crumpets we are more than happy to help assist with children applying their own sun cream or seek permission from parents for our own sun cream to be used at the setting which is always SPF50. We use a spray cream which means there is no physical contact and is applied from a certain distance. However if parents prefer us to help with their own cream that has been supplied, staff will be happy to assist by applying to arms, face, bottom of legs/ exposed areas.
Parents will sign giving permission for sun cream to be applied on the child’s registration portal as and when required throughout the year. Parents are responsible for informing staff of any changes, such as allergies.
Children are encouraged to increase their water intake in hot weather and are encouraged to do so in outdoor areas also, with regular water breaks. We advise children to bring their own water bottles.
Water will always be available to children throughout the session from water dispensers/ taps which children will be able to access independently.
Water-rich foods such as cucumber, melon etc will be provided where appropriate and ice lollies will be provided.
Staff will role model good hydration practices by drinking water regularly in front of children.
All children will be educated about sun safety
Ensure children have opportunities to rest and cool down.
The duration of outdoor activities and vigorous physical activities may be limited during the hottest periods, such as when temperatures are in excess of 30°C and staff will risk assessment and decide upon outdoor play.
Staff will check outdoor equipment, surfaces and play resources before use as metal slides, swings, artificial surfaces and other equipment can become dangerously hot and may cause burns. Any unsafe equipment will be taken out of use until temperatures have reduced.
We will keep the use of electric lighting to a minimum
If our areas become too hot, we will move to airconditioned classrooms/ other parts of the building.
Shade:
Provide access to shaded areas in the outdoor environment.
Use gazebos, canopies, umbrellas, or natural shade where available.
Encourage children to take regular breaks from direct sunlight.
Keep indoor areas as cool as possible through ventilation, blinds, curtains, and shaded windows and the use of fans to circulate air. Staff will open windows. Staff will close windows when the outdoor air becomes warmer than the air indoors – this will help to keep the heat out while allowing adequate ventilation in the preschool.
Monitor room temperatures.
Water Play: Water play may be used as a cooling activity during hot weather. Staff will ensure:
Appropriate supervision at all times.
Water equipment is maintained and cleaned regularly.
Safe hygiene procedures are followed.
Useful links:
https://www.childcare.co.uk/information/sun-safety-for-children
https://www.sunsafenurseries.co.uk/
https://www.eyalliance.org.uk/how-be-sun-safe
Heatwave: Where the Met Office issues weather warnings or temperatures are considered excessive, management may:
Restrict or suspend outdoor activities.
Modify operating procedures.
Take additional measures to safeguard children and staff.
Health risks from heat
Children cannot control their body temperature as efficiently as adults during hot weather because they do not sweat as much and so can be at risk of ill-health from heat. Heat- related illness can range from mild heat stress to potentially life-threatening heatstroke. The main risk from heat is dehydration (not having enough water in the body). If sensible precautions are taken children are unlikely to be adversely affected by hot conditions, however, teachers, assistants, school nurses and all child carers should look out for signs of heat stress, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Recognising Heat-Related Illness
All staff will be familiar with the signs and symptoms of heat stress, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Possible symptoms include:
Unusual tiredness
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Excessive sweating
Pale or clammy skin
Irritability or unusual behaviour
Floppiness or lethargy
Confusion or loss of consciousness
If a child shows signs of heat exhaustion, staff will:
Move the child to a cool, shaded area.
Encourage them to drink water.
Remove excess clothing if appropriate.
Cool the child using damp cloths or fans.
Contact parents/carers if necessary.
Seek emergency medical assistance if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
Where heat exhaustion or heatstroke is suspected, staff will follow first aid procedures and seek medical assistance immediately where required. Heatstroke is a medical emergency and emergency services will be contacted without delay.
Children with Additional Needs
Some children, including babies, children under four years of age, and children with certain medical conditions or special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), may be at greater risk during hot weather. Individual needs and risk assessments will be considered when planning activities and routines.
This policy will be reviewed annually and was written in accordance with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2025)