Keeping Children Cool in the Hot Weather

Keeping children cool in this heat can feel like a difficult task, learn about the hot weather policies and procedures in place at Partou nurseries and get some top tips for supporting children with the heat at home.

A wooden mud kitchen outside in dappled sunlight, with iridescent pink, amber and pale green glass bottles and a copper jelly mould along the top shelf, small galvanised buckets of yellow, red and white flowers on the middle shelf, and silver metal pans below filled with bright pink water and scattered pink apple blossom, a calming water play setup for keeping children cool in hot weather.

What policies are in place for supporting children with the heat?

We have a Sun Protection Policy and Procedure in place across our nurseries. This includes daily monitoring of weather and UV levels, guidance on keeping hydrated, sunscreen application, appropriate clothing, use of shade, indoor temperature management, and recognising the signs of heat exhaustion. The policy is designed to ensure children can continue to enjoy their day safely during periods of hot weather.

What measures are nurseries taking to keep children safe during high temperatures?

Our teams take a number of measures to help children stay safe and comfortable during hot weather. These include carrying out daily UV and weather checks, applying sunscreen, encouraging regular drinking of water, ensuring children wear sun hats, and prioritising shaded outdoor spaces. Outdoor activities are adapted based on UV levels and temperatures, with children spending more time in shaded areas or indoors when necessary. Team members act as positive role models and are also trained to recognise the signs of heat exhaustion and respond appropriately.

Do Partou nurseries have air conditioning or fans?

Yes. Some of our nurseries are equipped with air conditioning, and all settings have access to fans to help maintain comfortable indoor environments. We also follow best practice guidance on managing indoor temperatures, including shutting blinds and windows indoors to reduce heat build-up throughout the day.

What hot weather fun activities are happening in nurseries?

Hot weather provides lots of opportunities for engaging sensory and water-based play. Activities have included water play with spray bottles, bubbles, flowers, funnels and guttering systems, water walls, water colour mixing and potion-making. Children have also enjoyed ice-based activities such as ice painting, ice experiments, and ice excavations where toys are frozen inside blocks of ice. Some nurseries have made homemade ice cream with the children and enjoyed floor-level water tray and water ‘fights’, allowing children to cool down safely while exploring and learning through play.

Would nurseries close because of the heat?

The safety and wellbeing of children and team members is always our priority. Our nurseries have robust procedures in place to manage hot weather safely, including adapting activities, making use of shaded areas, managing indoor temperatures, and increasing hydration opportunities. Closure would only be considered in exceptional circumstances where we could not maintain a safe environment for children and team members, but our focus is always on implementing appropriate control measures to continue operating safely, wherever possible.

Advice for families on keeping children cool in the heat

We encourage families to apply sunscreen before arriving at nursery, provide a labelled sun hat, and ensure their child wears lightweight, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather.
We also ask families to inform us of any allergies or sensitivities relating to sun protection products.
During periods of very hot weather, we remind families of the importance of keeping children hydrated and protecting them in hot weather outside nursery hours.
We also share some of the cooling activities children have been enjoying at nursery, providing families with simple ideas they can try at home to help keep children comfortable and engaged during warmer weather.