Our outdoor setting believes being outside throughout the ever-changing seasons is the best way in which to learn, develop and look after our mental health and wellbeing. We are out in all weathers unless it is so adverse as to be assumed a danger to life or wellbeing and so we assess risks daily.

In the event of managers deciding that the weather is too cold or wet for the benefit of the staff and children they can make the decision to keep the children inside the heated cabins into an alternative indoor space. All management team must be in agreement and the inside spaces should be set up accordingly.

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The Fledglings is Sun Protection Accredited to the Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code.

(Please see Sun Safety policy).

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Risks to be aware of:

Closure

The decision to close The Fledglings or to not open for our Flexi-Friday session due to weather is implemented in the following circumstances

• When The Fledglings has been damaged or possibly could be damaged by the weather

• The car park is too dangerous to allow access to parents and children

• Being unable to maintain correct ratios due to staff absence

• The temperature is not deemed as reasonable working conditions (The workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992 states….’during working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable’) this would probably due to a failure in the heating system combined with cold weather

• Flooding

(Please see Emergency closure, evacuation and lockdown policy)

 

Clothing

Parents are informed of the importance of their children being properly prepared for all weather and are given clothing ideas, this includes essential waterproofs and footwear.

Parents in receipt of funding (for low income families or children with DLA) or EYPP are given a free set of waterproofs for their child.

We provide our staff with clothing advice and provide a large proportion of their uniform to enable them to feel comfortable in the elements, however staff are expected to wear appropriate clothing for all weathers and source anything they require that The Fledglings doesn’t provide.

Parents are shown examples of appropriate clothing at Open Days and at Enrollment, advice and links can be found in our Clothing Policy.

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The Fledglings has limited spare clothing in case of emergency but these should not be relied upon:

•  waterproof trousers

•  waterproof coats

•  gloves/mittens

• spare base layer clothing

• sun hats

• wellies

 

Attendance

Parents/carers need to make independent decisions on their ability to reach The Fledglings in adverse weather conditions; the safety of their children and families is paramount, and they should not put themselves at risk.

Staff members need to make independent decisions on their ability to attend work in severe weather conditions; their safety is paramount, and they should not put themselves at risk.

Nov 25