ADVERSE WEATHER POLICY ​

The nursery is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children, families, and staff during periods of adverse weather. Decisions regarding opening, operating, or closing the nursery will be based on a risk assessment of current and forecast weather conditions.

The decision to close the nursery will be made by the manager and/or owner if:
  • There are insufficient staff available to maintain the required statutory child-to-staff ratios and ensure the safety and wellbeing of children.
  • Weather conditions are forecast to deteriorate significantly during the day, creating risks for children, families, and staff travelling to and from the nursery.
  • The nursery premises, including access routes, outdoor areas, footpaths, or roadways, are deemed unsafe and cannot be maintained in a safe condition.
  • Travel conditions present a significant risk to the safety of staff, children, or families.

The manager will monitor relevant weather forecasts and warnings issued by the Met Office and assess any potential impact on the safe operation of the nursery.

If adverse weather develops during the nursery day and conditions are expected to worsen, parents/carers may be contacted and asked to collect their child early. Sufficient staff will remain on site until all children have been safely collected.

Where staff need to leave early due to deteriorating weather conditions, consideration will be given to travel distances and local conditions while ensuring statutory staffing ratios are maintained at all times.

In the event of a closure, parents/carers will be notified as soon as possible via the nursery communication app, text message, telephone, email, and/or social media channels as appropriate.

Where the nursery closes due to circumstances beyond its control, fees will remain payable and refunds will not normally be given. Where possible, an alternative session may be offered subject to availability.

If the nursery remains open, parents/carers should make their own judgement regarding whether it is safe to travel. Absences due to parental choice not to attend during adverse weather will be charged as normal and alternative sessions will not usually be offered.
 
Policy Last Reviewed: January 2026
Policy Review Date: January 2027