1 May 2026

At Scallywags Nursery, we love making the most of the outdoors — whatever the weather! As we move into May, with brighter days, warmer temperatures, and Sun Awareness Week, it’s the perfect time to share how we keep children safe, happy, and comfortable in all conditions.

Our Policy of the Month focuses on Emergency & Adverse Weather, alongside our commitment to being a Sun Safe Nursery

𝗪𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘆

Being a Sun Safe Nursery means we take sun protection seriously. Young children have delicate skin, and too much sun exposure can be harmful — so we’ve put clear, effective measures in place to keep everyone safe.

We follow our simple and memorable motto:

𝗦𝗟𝗜𝗣, 𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗣, 𝗦𝗟𝗢𝗣 & 𝗦𝗟𝗨𝗥𝗣

• SLIP on a top to cover shoulders
• SLAP on a hat
• SLOP on sunscreen
• SLURP plenty of water

𝗔𝘁 𝗻𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘆, 𝘄𝗲:

• Provide sun hats for all children
• Apply and reapply sun cream (with parental consent)
• Encourage play in shaded areas during peak sun hours
• Ensure constant access to fresh drinking water
• Adapt activities during hot weather to keep children cool and comfortable

Our practices are aligned with guidance from organisations such as the NHS, supporting children’s health and wellbeing.

𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀

Outdoor play is a huge part of life at Scallywags — including our Forest School sessions. We believe children learn best through real experiences, whether it’s sunshine, rain, or even a bit of mud!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲:

• Puddle suits / waterproof overalls
• Spare wellies (where available)
• Safe, adapted outdoor spaces

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴:

𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿:

• Lightweight clothing
• Sun hat (we provide these too)

𝗪𝗲𝘁 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿:

• Wellies
• Waterproof coat

𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿:

• Warm coat

• Hat, scarf, gloves
• Thick socks

Having the right clothing helps children fully enjoy outdoor play while staying safe and comfortable.

𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿

Children’s safety always comes first. Our team continuously risk assesses conditions and adapts accordingly:

• In extreme heat → more shade, water play, shorter outdoor sessions
• In cold or icy weather → reduced outdoor time where needed
• In rain → outdoor play continues where safe (we embrace it!)

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲

While we aim to stay open and flexible, there are rare occasions where severe conditions mean we may need to close.

This could include:

• Heavy snow, flooding, or unsafe site access
• Staff being unable to travel safely
• Utility failures (e.g. no heating or water)
• Health risks such as outbreaks

If this happens, we will:

• Notify families via email
• Post updates on our social media and website
• Contact parents directly if closure happens during the day

We always aim to give as much notice as possible and support families where we can.

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿

Keeping children safe in all weathers is a partnership.

By sending children in with the right clothing and supporting sun safety routines, you’re helping them:

• Stay comfortable
• Enjoy outdoor learning
• Build resilience and independence

If you’re ever unsure what your child needs, just ask — we’re always happy to help

At Scallywags, whether it’s sunshine or showers, we make sure every child can explore, learn and play safely — whatever the weather

Weather awareness policy written by Demi Eastment