Nurseries have a duty of care to children and staff at all times: this duty of care includes protection against hot weather, inside and outside the setting. 

Prolonged spells of hot weather have identified a need to advise nurseries - and in turn parents, staff members and children - of the procedures to be adopted when the temperatures inside the buildings reach levels that might impact upon the health and safety of children and vulnerable adults (e.g. those known to be suffering from asthma). 

There are no specific legal maximum working temperatures for nurseries or offices; however, there are two sources of legal protection for both staff and children. The HSE at Work Act 1974 and Regulation 7 of the Workplace (HSE & Welfare) Regulations 1992. 

The Department for Education recommends a maximum working temperature of 35 degrees C. Please be aware however, that temperatures inside nursery buildings are usually cooler when the outside temperature exceeds 30 degrees. Actions are immediately taken to minimise outdoor activities to ensure children are cool and that they drink additional water. 

If required, the decision to close the Nursery will take into account factors, which include location, building design and whether or not the buildings have adequate ventilation. The Nursery Manager will authorise a message via email, telephone and on the website, explaining when and how children can be collected or sent home. If, for some reason, parents/carers do not pick children up from the Nursery or are not available to receive children at home, then programmed sessions will run until the end of the day and staff will seek the coolest temporary locations to work in. 

Parents may pick up their children at any time if they believe their child is suffering from the heat. 

Outing risk assessments must have a provision that states the trip will not take place if the temperature is over a certain temperature. This is decided on each specific trip according to age of children, how much walking is involved, destination, time of day etc. 

Children should be kept under shade during lunch time, break time and any outdoor activities. 

If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Nursery Manager.