Outdoor weather policy.

Aim: To provide a safe outdoor environment for the children during changes in weather conditions.

Purpose: To ensure that educators keep children inside during extreme weather changes such as windy days, storm fronts, heat waves and other conditions which may endanger the children’s safety and well-being.

Implementation:

• Educators will make themselves aware of changes in weather conditions and assess on a daily basis the safety and well-being of the children when considering playing outside.

• Educators will need to consider factors such as, falling branches, high UV readings, lightning strikes, smoke, wet and muddy grounds etc. when using the outdoor environment.

• During sunny days educators will encourage children to utilise the shade areas of the yard and set up activities in these areas.

• Educators will ensure that an appropriate program is implemented inside to replace the outdoor program when required.

Extreme heat is usually defined as a period of abnormally and uncomfortably hot weather that could adversely affect people’s health. Babies and young children are especially vulnerable to extreme heat. To protect the health of our children and educators/staff during periods of extreme heat educators will:

• Regularly offer children water to drink

• Ensure children are dressed in cool clothing

• Keep children indoors in a cool, comfortable environment with air conditioning or fans

• Regularly ask children if they would like to cool their faces with wet washers or by splashing water on their faces in the bathroom sink

• Regularly sponge the faces of babies using cool, wet washers

• Organise water play activities inside

• Cancel or postpone excursions and outdoor activities

• Ensure children, including siblings of children at the service, are never left in parked cars

Severe Storms and Lightning

The effects of severe storms and lightning can be catastrophic. Severe thunderstorms, for example, can produce large hail, damaging wind, lightning and heavy rainfall, which can cause death, injury and damage to property. Sometimes lightning may occur when there isn’t a thunderstorm.

When a severe storm threatens the service the Nominated Supervisor and educators will:

• ensure all children stay inside the service until the storm passes

• secure or store any loose objects in the outdoor environment that could blow around in strong winds

After a severe storm passes, the Nominated Supervisor and educators will inspect the outdoor environment for fallen power lines, broken furniture and equipment etc and ensure it is safe before letting children outside to play.

This policy is the property of Eikoh Seminar Australia Pty Limited and must not be reproduced without the consent of management.