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Following on from this morning’s amber and red weather alerts, and a meeting this afternoon of the emergency response team, the Department for Education (DfE) guidance advises settings to still remain open. The UKHSA Heat Health Alert is now in place until 11.00pm on Friday 26 June 2026.
Current forecasts indicate that, while the most significant impacts are expected at the start of the week, there is potential for conditions to persist and intensify into midweek as the hot weather continues.
What this means is the period of extreme heat is now expected to be prolonged, rather than a short peak. In light of this, we would like to remind all settings of the importance of referring to the guidance available to help ensure children and staff remain safe and well.
The DfE guidance (linked below) provides practical advice on working with children in extreme heat, including measures to keep buildings cool and mitigate overheating:
The links to the information above and the summary below will provide practical guidance as to how to manage your setting during extreme weather.
In summary the following is advised:
- settings are not normally expected to close in hot weather, but they should take sensible steps to keep children safe and comfortable
- children are more vulnerable to hot weather than adults, particularly very young children, those with health conditions, and those taking certain medications
- encourage children to drink more water than usual and make sure fresh drinking water is readily available
- encourage children to stay in the shade as much as possible, especially during the hottest part of the day
- consider relaxing uniform rules so children can wear light, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and sun hats where appropriate
- ensure high-factor sunscreen is used to protect skin when children are outdoors
- avoid or adapt vigorous physical activity on very hot days; more sedentary activities may be more suitable
- to keep buildings cooler, open windows early in the morning and, where possible, open doors as well as windows to improve airflow
- close windows when the air outside becomes warmer than indoors, and use blinds or curtains where possible without blocking ventilation
- keep lighting and electrical equipment use to a minimum where possible, as these can add to indoor heat
- staff should be alert to signs of heat stress, heat exhaustion and heatstroke
- signs of heat exhaustion can include tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and pale clammy skin; move the child to a cool place, give cool water, and cool them quickly
- if symptoms are worsening or there are concerns, contact NHS 111. If heatstroke is suspected, call 999 immediately
If you are committee-run, please ensure they are appropriately involved in strategic decision-making during this period of extreme heat; please do pass this communication to them.
We know that it is hard work continuing to teach, learn and work in unusually hot conditions and thank you for your leadership and perseverance through this period.
Temporary closures
You should assess the potential risk to your setting and inform your local Early Years and Childcare (EYC) team if you are considering a temporary closure.
If you have specific concerns that can’t be mitigated using the information provided above then please contact your local team and include the Family Information Service in your email:
Early Years Funded Entitlements (EYFE)
If your setting offers EYFE, it is expected that you make up any loss of Early Years Funded Entitlement hours wherever reasonable. Please refer to section 4.36 in the Provider Declaration if your setting needs to close.
Regulatory requirements
If a significant event occurs that impacts your setting directly you should notify Ofsted or the Childminder Agency you are registered with.
We will continue to closely monitor updates from the Met Office and DfE and share any new advice and guidance as we receive it.
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