Extreme heat: guidance for schools and childcare settings

The Met Office has issued weather warnings and an Air Quality in Wales air pollution forecast, for the rest of this week (week commencing 22 June 2026).

Children can be especially vulnerable to extreme heat and we suggest schools and settings highlight the necessary steps to keep children and young people safe, indoors and outdoors.

Our advice to schools and childcare settings to deal with extreme heat is to:

• avoid vigorous physical activity

• maximise shade, ventilation and hydration

• encourage children to wear loose, light coloured clothing if possible

• encourage children to wear hats and suncream outdoors

Useful guidance and websites

Welsh government guidance

Welsh Government’s guidance on opening schools and childcare settings in extreme hot weather is available on GOV.WALES.

Public Health Wales

Public Health Wales advice is available for the general public and those looking after children.

NHS advice

NHS advice is available on the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It also gives advice on the steps to take if anyone in your learning community (including those working remotely) show any of these signs and symptoms.

Water safety advice

Water Safety Advice is available on the Royal Life Saving Society UK website.