Adverse Weather Policy at Mulberry Garden

Our adverse weather policy ensures Mulberry Garden is prepared for all weather conditions that might affect the running of our setting such as floods, snow and heat waves. If any of these impact on the ability of the nursery to open or operate, we will contact parents via email.

We will not take children outdoors where we judge that weather conditions make it unsafe to do so.

Flood

In the case of a flood we will follow our critical incident procedure to enable all children and staff to be safe and continuity of care to be planned for.

Snow or other severe weather

If high snowfall, or another severe weather condition such as dense fog, is threatened during a nursery day then the manager will take the decision as to whether to close Mulberry Garden. This decision will take into account the safety of the children, their parents and the staff team. In the event of a planned closure during the nursery day, we will contact all parents to arrange for collection of their child.

In the event of staff shortages due to snow or other severe weather, we will contact all available off duty staff and/or agency staff and group the children differently until they are able to arrive. If we are unable to maintain statutory ratio requirements after all avenues are explored, we will contact Ofsted to inform them of this issue, recording all details in our incident file. If we feel the safety, health or welfare of the children is compromised then we will take the decision to close the nursery.

Heat wave

Staff will make day-to-day decisions about the length of time spent outside depending on the strength of the sun; children will not be allowed in the direct sunlight between 11:00 – 15:00 on hot days. Shaded areas are provided to ensure children are able to still go out in hot weather, cool down or escape the sun should they wish or need to.