DfE shares guidance ahead of extreme heat weather warning
By Rachel Lawler
The Department for Education has shared guidance for early years providers ahead of extremely warm temperatures expected at the start of next week.
The Met Office has issued a red extreme heat warning for areas of England on 18 and 19 July and a national emergency has been declared, as the country expects temperatures to reach 40C in some regions next week.
The Met Office says that this means there will be potential adverse health effects across the population, not just for the vulnerable, and says that changes to working practices and daily routines will be needed. It also warns that heat-sensitive equipment may be at risk of failure and that people should expect delays, closures and cancellations on road, air and rail travel.
Large parts of the country have also been issued with an amber warning for 18 and 19 July.
The Department for Education has said:
"We are not advising early years and childcare settings to close. Individual setting leaders are responsible for managing their own local circumstances. They should refer the and carry out risk assessments in line with government guidance on . This includes the use of ventilation, closing rooms that are too hot, keeping children hydrated, avoiding vigorous physical activity, encouraging children to wear loose, light coloured clothing and sunhats with wide brims, to use sunscreen, and providing them with plenty of water.
Children under four-years-old and some children and adults with complex medical needs and chronic conditions are ​potentially at a higher risk during periods of extreme heat. Settings are advised to consider actions recommended in Chapter 3 of the which are based on the best evidence and practice available currently and are not intended to be prescriptive. Settings should carry out risk assessments and amend and adapt procedures in a way which is appropriate for the individual medical needs of the children and adults in their setting.
Visit our to find further information on how to stay safe during the heatwave."