Early Years and Childcare Special Newsletter
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Monday 6 July 2026
We are expecting another period of warmer weather, with a yellow heat-health warning forecast. We are sharing this special newsletter to support early years and childcare settings in keeping children safe, cool and comfortable.
Please continue to follow your setting’s risk assessment and the council’s guidance on staying safe in hot weather. This guidance can also be shared with staff and families.
In hot weather, early years and childcare settings should take steps to reduce the risk of children becoming too hot, particularly during sleep. All sleeping children should be checked frequently, and staff should use their professional judgement to manage risk during warmer conditions.
Sleep areas should be kept as cool as reasonably possible. Staff can help by ventilating rooms where safe, closing blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day, keeping sleep spaces away from direct sunlight, and dressing children appropriately for the temperature.
For babies aged 12 months and under, safer sleep guidance recommends a room temperature of 16–20°C. During very hot weather, this may not always be achievable, so settings should monitor temperatures, reduce overheating risks, and continue to follow safer sleep guidance, including placing babies on their back, with their head uncovered, in a firm, flat, clear sleep space.
All staff should be made aware of and look out for signs that a child may be too hot, including feeling hot, sweaty or clammy, appearing flushed, unsettled or unusually tired.
If a room temperature remains high despite reasonable cooling measures, staff should carry out a risk assessment and take appropriate action. This may include relocating children to a cooler area and seeking advice from a senior member of staff.
We are monitoring UKHSA heat-health alerts and will update settings where needed.
Further guidance: Department for Education safer sleep guidance; GOV.UK hot weather guidance for schools and early years settings; NHS baby sun safety advice; and The Lullaby Trust hot weather advice.
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