Weather policy

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 bring them indoors to the cabins/yurt/roundhouse. All management team must be in agreement. We could come inside for short or long periods of time weather depending. The hall has to be set up according to how many children are brought inside.

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

(Please see Sun Safety policy).

Risks to be aware of:

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Closure

The decision to close setting due to weather is implemented in the following circumstances

• When the setting 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.

Families with children in receipt of 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 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. 

There is a Home-Fledglings agreement for parents to sign to show their commitment to ensuring their child comes appropriately dressed for each  session.

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 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