Introduction
Ladybird Pre-School Nursery believes that all children who attend the Nursery should have opportunities to access outdoor play, whatever the weather or time of year. The door to the garden is opened as early as practicable at each session so that there is free flow between the playroom and the garden area. In order to do this, it is important to ensure the children have the appropriate clothing and protection.
Sun
We acknowledge the importance of sun protection and want the staff and children to enjoy sun safely. Protecting children from the sun not only prevents painful sunburn, but it also significantly reduces the risk of developing skin cancer in later life. We will work with staff and parents/carers to protect children from the sun by:
PROTECTION
Sunscreen:
- We request that parents/carers ensure they apply sunscreen to their child before dropping them at Nursery to start their session.
- It is advised that sunscreen has a sun protector factor (SPF) of 50 +.
- For those children who attend all day sessions parents/carers are asked to provide their child with sunscreen and sign a consent form requesting and giving permission for it to be applied at lunch time by a member of staff.
Clothing:
- Children are required to wear sun hats when it is sunny. Parents/carers are requested to send children to Nursery provided with a NAMED sunhat. If a child does not have a sun hat the Nursery can provide them with one.
- Sun hats which shade the ears, face and neck are preferable.
- Long sleeved tops are also advisable when it is very sunny. Vests and strappy tops are
discouraged.
Shade:
- When the sun is strong, we will encourage children to sit/play in the shade where it is available.
- In the Nursery Garden shade is provided by the sun canopy, sun shade parasols and tents and trees.
Activities
- Where possible, activities are set up in the shady areas.
- Water play will always be available on sunny days.
- In very hot weather children will have limited access to outdoor play in the garden between 11a.m. and 3 p.m.
Fluid intake
- Children have free access to drinking water at all times and are encouraged by staff to drink throughout the session.
Wind, Rain and Snow
We want the children to have the opportunity to experience a range of weather from snow and wind to ice and rain. To do this we will ensure that children are safe and have the appropriate clothing.
Clothing
- Children will only be allowed access to the outdoor area in wet or cold weather with the appropriate clothing:
Clearly NAMED
- warm, waterproof/rain resistant coat.
- hat.
- gloves; and
- wellington boots.
- If a child does not have the appropriate clothing, Nursery does have spare outdoor clothes they can wear.
- Parents/carers are asked to provide spare sets of indoor clothing, so staff can change the children into dry clothes if they get wet and/or muddy. Nursery does have a supply of spare indoor clothing which children can borrow to wear if they do not have a change of clothes. We expect Nursery clothes to be washed, dried and returned as soon as possible.
- Children are never left in wet clothes.
Risk Assessment As part of the daily risk assessment staff will ensure that in wet, snowy or icy weather the equipment and surfaces in the garden are safe to use and will adapt their use accordingly. As the day progresses the garden will be regularly reassessed.
