With the recent cold snap, many parents wonder whether it’s safer to keep children at home. It’s completely understandable — winter mornings can feel especially harsh. But nurseries across the UK follow national guidance, operate within strict safety standards, and remain committed to keeping children warm, protected and comfortable even in very low temperatures.
Emily Burgess, Director of Early Years at Family First Nurseries — one of the UK’s leading nursery groups, has provided expert commentary on how early years settings manage cold weather, and how to feel confident about sending children in.
Why sending your child to nursery in cold weather can still be safe
Emily explains that settings follow national guidance, risk-assess the environment, and have cold-weather plans to ensure children remain safe and comfortable.
“Early years providers follow UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance during periods of severe cold weather.
This guidance reinforces that while outdoor play and fresh air remain important, children — particularly the under-fives — can be more vulnerable to cold, so risk assessments and environmental checks are essential.
Many nurseries also have seasonal “cold-weather plans” aligned with the UKHSA’s Cold-Health Alert system, allowing them to respond swiftly to sudden temperature drops, icy surfaces or reduced visibility.
Nurseries and reception classes operate under the EYFS Statutory Framework, which requires premises to be safe, heated, suitable and continuously risk-assessed.”
Children with health conditions are carefully supported
She emphasises that children with asthma, eczema, or other vulnerabilities are closely monitored, with routines adapted to meet their individual needs.
“For children with asthma, eczema, respiratory issues or other vulnerabilities, nurseries must plan for individual needs.
National guidance encourages parents of clinically vulnerable children to share medical information with staff and seek healthcare advice when necessary.
In practical terms, this may mean adapting outdoor time, adjusting clothing layers, planning warm-up breaks, or monitoring specific children more frequently during cold weather.”
Settings don’t just “brave” the cold — they actively mitigate risk
Emily explains that early years providers take a structured approach to safety, including:
- “Daily risk assessments of paths, entrances, playgrounds and outdoor areas, with ice and snow cleared or gritted.”
- “Monitoring indoor temperatures using thermometers to ensure that rooms stay warm and suitable for learning.”
- “Closing or avoiding rooms that are too cold, in line with UKHSA advice and statutory safety duties.”
- “Balancing ventilation with warmth, ensuring good air quality without exposing children to uncomfortable drafts.”
These precautions are taken quietly and consistently behind the scenes, so the environment remains safe throughout the day.
Advice for parents — how to help children stay warm, safe and comfortable in winter
She offers practical tips on layering clothing, recognising early signs of cold, and supporting safe outdoor play to keep children healthy and happy.
- Pack spare clothes:
“Sending your child with spare clothes is one of the easiest ways to prevent them from staying in damp clothing after outdoor play. Extra leggings, tops, socks and gloves allow staff to change children quickly if they get splashed, sweaty, snowy or simply over-excited in a puddle. For younger children or those in early years, it’s worth adding a base layer or a spare jumper. Dry clothing helps regulate body temperature and keeps children comfortable for the rest of the day.” - Know the signs of cold:
“Children can get cold quickly, especially if they’re less active or wearing damp layers. Staff look out for early signs such as shivering, red cheeks, cold hands, slowed movement, or children saying they feel cold or tired. Some children simply become unusually quiet. These cues prompt adults to bring them indoors, add or remove layers, or offer a warm drink or a break. Recognising these early signs helps prevent children from becoming overly chilled or uncomfortable.” - Encourage positive outdoor time:
“Cold weather doesn’t mean children should stay all day indoors — outdoor play is still hugely beneficial for their development, mood and immune health. With the right precautions, nurseries make outdoor learning safe and enjoyable. This might mean using sheltered areas, avoiding metal play equipment when it’s freezing, steering play away from icy patches, and building in frequent warm-up breaks.”
“Short bursts of outdoor activity can keep children active and happy, helping them burn off energy while still staying safe.”
When might a setting close because of the cold?
“Closures are uncommon. Nurseries consider it a last resort and will only close when they cannot maintain a safe environment.”
Decisions can be based on:
- Heating failures or the inability to keep classrooms at a safe temperature
- Unsafe access routes caused by severe ice or snow
- UKHSA guidance advises that rooms too cold for safe occupancy must not be used
- Staffing issues caused by severe weather that affect safe ratios or supervision
“Even if a setting partially closes due to cold or unsafe conditions, it will usually remain open for key worker children and vulnerable pupils, with staff adapting routines to ensure safety, warmth, and supervision.”
For more: https://familyfirstnurseries.co.uk/
