26/05/2026
Managing Hot Weather in Early Years Services
With temperatures rising across Ireland, early years services must ensure children remain safe, comfortable, and protected from heat-related risks. High temperatures can significantly impact children’s wellbeing, sleep, hydration, behaviour, and overall safety particularly for babies and young children who are less able to regulate body temperature.
Under the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, registered providers are required to ensure that the premises, facilities, and practices within the service protect the health, safety, and welfare of children at all times.
Key Compliance Considerations for Services
📋 Risk Assessments
Services should complete and document heat-related risk assessments during periods of elevated temperatures, considering:
• Room temperatures throughout the day
• Ventilation and airflow
• Direct sunlight exposure
• Outdoor play surfaces and shaded areas
• Sleep room temperatures
• Hydration access for children and staff
• Additional risks for babies and medically vulnerable children
Remember: risk assessments should be dynamic and updated where conditions change.
Indoor Environment Management
Early years services should take practical measures to reduce indoor heat levels, including:
• Opening windows safely to improve airflow
• Using blinds/curtains to block direct sunlight
• Using fans safely and in line with risk assessments
• Monitoring sleep room temperatures regularly
• Adjusting activities to reduce physical exertion during peak heat
• Creating cooler sensory/rest spaces where possible
Children should have continuous access to drinking water throughout the day.
👶 Supporting Children During Hot Weather
Services should ensure:
• Light, breathable clothing is encouraged
• Extra hydration opportunities are built into routines
• Sunscreen procedures are followed in line with service policy
• Hats and shaded play are prioritised outdoors
• Outdoor play times are adjusted to avoid peak UV periods where necessary
Staff should also remain alert to signs of heat exhaustion including:
⚠️ Flushed skin
⚠️ Lethargy or irritability
⚠️ Dizziness
⚠️ Excessive tiredness
⚠️ Headaches or nausea
🌳 Outdoor Play & Garden Safety
Outdoor environments should be reviewed carefully during warm weather:
• Ensure adequate shaded areas are available
• Check artificial grass/safety surfacing temperatures
• Avoid prolonged exposure during peak afternoon heat
• Rotate outdoor access if necessary
• Increase supervision around water play activities
🛏️ Sleep Safety During Warm Weather• Reduce bedding and sleep sack tog ratings in line with safe sleep guidance
• Monitor sleeping children more frequently during hotter days
• Ensure cots are positioned away from direct sunlight
🍎 Adapt Meals & Snacks
• Offer lighter meals and cooling snacks such as fruit
• Monitor food storage temperatures carefully during heatwaves
• Ensure lunch bags and milk are stored safely
👕 Review Dress Expectations
• Encourage parents to send light clothing, sun hats, and spare outfits
• Avoid overdressing babies and younger children
📞 Parent Communication
• Notify parents of heat procedures during warm weather
• Remind families about sunscreen application requirements where applicable
• Ask parents to provide labelled hats and weather-appropriate clothing
🧸 Activity Planning
• Increase sensory and quieter indoor activities during peak heat
• Utilise water play safely with strict supervision and hygiene procedures
• Avoid highly physical activities during the hottest parts of the day
⚡ Equipment & Environment Checks
• Check rooms with poor ventilation early in the morning
• Monitor temperatures near sleep areas, kitchens, and upper floors
• Ensure electrical equipment and extension leads are not overheating
👩🏫 Staff Wellbeing Matters Too
• Allow regular hydration breaks for staff
• Rotate staff working in warmer rooms/outdoor areas
• Consider additional float cover during extreme temperatures
📑 Document Your ActionsTusla inspectors and the HSA may expect to see evidence that services are actively responding to environmental risks. Keep records of:• Temperature monitoring
• Risk assessments
• Actions taken
• Parent communications
• Staff guidance issued
📝 Policies, Procedures & Staff Training
Now is a good time for services to review:
• Health & Safety Statements
• Outdoor Play Policies
• Sleep Policies
• Risk Assessment Procedures
• Sun Protection Procedures
Staff teams should receive guidance on hydration, heat safety, supervision adjustments, and responding to heat-related concerns quickly and appropriately.
Creating safe, responsive environments during hot weather is not just good practice it is a core part of safeguarding children’s health, wellbeing, and welfare.
