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Hot weather - Advice for those looking after children

Health risks from heat

Children can be at risk in hot weather because of their needs, their behaviours and their activity levels.

The main health risks in hot weather are:

If measures are in place children are unlikely to be affected by hot weather but, parents, teachers, school nurses and other child carers should look out for signs of dehydration, heat stress, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Heat stress

Children with heat stress may not seem themselves or may be uncomfortable and irritable. These signs will worsen with physical activity and may lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Who is likely to be most affected?

  • Young children, infants and babies.
  • Children who are taking certain medications.
  • Children with pre-existing health conditions.

If needed, a health professional will be able to provide advice on the needs of an individual child.

Outdoors

  • On very hot days children should avoid lots of running around between 11am and 3pm.
  • Children playing outdoors should stay in the shade as much as possible.
  • Uniform rules should be relaxed during hot weather. Wearing loose, light-coloured clothing will help children keep cool.
  • Hats with wide brims help prevent sunburn.
  • Use a high protection sunscreen (of at least SPF 30 and ultraviolet A (UVA) rating of 4 or more stars).
  • Children should be given plenty of water and encouraged to drink more than usual in hot weather.

Indoors

  • If possible and safe to do so, open windows during the early morning, evening, and ideally overnight when it is cooler outside.
  • If possible, close windows during the day when it is hotter outside but do not block ventilation points.
  • Shade sun-facing windows and close indoor blinds or curtains to keep the heat out.
  • Turn off any non-essential lights and electrical items.
  • A electrical fan can help cool the space if temperatures are below 35°C (above this temperature, they may not help to cool the space) but do not aim the fan directly at your body as this can lead to dehydration.
  • Encourage children to eat normally and drink plenty of water.
  • Use a cooler room for sleeping.

Page last reviewed: 12th March 2025