Keeping Children Safe in Hot Weather

Once again, temperatures are expected to be high for the rest of this week and whilst many of us look forward to this, high temperatures can be dangerous for children, this can range from mild heat stress and potentially life-threatening heatstroke. Try to help children to adjust their behaviour by offering shade, changing activity times, choices of activities and changes to uniform.

Please find the information below and attached, which you can distribute among your staff, parents, and caregivers to help protect children from the heat.

 Key points for Education and Early Years Providers during hot weather  

Please note the guidance for looking after children during hot weather : Looking after children and those in early years settings before and during hot weather: teachers and other educational professionals - GOV.UK It is predicted that there will be more periods of hotter weather in future years so any changes or investment in buildings or resources you make now will help in the future.

Key points from the guidance to take note of are:- 

·         Look at timing of events where children, staff and parents/carers are spending time outdoors. Avoid the hottest part of the day between 11am to 3pm. Children should not take part in strenuous physical activity on very hot days 

·         Encourage shade during outside breaks, sun cream and hats for both children and adults 

·         Encourage frequent fluid intake across children and adults – assess access to water points and toilets to increase water intake 

·         Know the signs of heat illness and the actions to take   

·         Look at creating shade including with blinds, shutters, sun awnings and planting 

·         Look at the guidance for reducing Indoor air temperature  Beat the heat: keep cool at home checklist - GOV.UK

·         Communicating resources including the attached and Beat the Heat Beat the heat: hot weather advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)  

Sign up to Heat- Health Alerts to ensure you are alerted to periods of hot weather in order to take appropriate action -  https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/heat-health-alert-service  

Many thanks for your support.

The Health Protection Team