Nursery Don’t Let Kids Outside Because it’s Cold

That's just poor parenting though

Thats my point. My kids couldn't always stay in when they wanted because of the prescription of outdoor play in all weathers coupled with ratio demands.

Yes, but people in the uk (children in particular) don’t generally have clothing appropriate for spending lots of time in the cold outdoors.

All of them? Surely not every kid has asthma or sensory issues

It does. When I was a school nursery teacher we had free flow in and out most of the day. It's not a new thing I was doing this the 80s and it wasn't new then.

It's not even that cold! Kids in much colder places play outside.

Tbh I think it's the staff not being arsed

@FanofLeaves They could always just take the kids with suitable clothes out. It sounds very much like the staff found it too cold so maybe they need some warmer clothing as well.
Show them this;
Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework for Childminders:
3.68 Childminders must provide access to an outdoor play area. If that is not possible, they must ensure that outdoor activities are planned and taken daily (unless circumstances make this inappropriate, for example unsafe weather conditions). Childminders must follow their legal responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 (for example, the provisions on reasonable adjustments)."

The 2 nurseries my son attended both had scheduled outdoor time at least one a day (twice in summer), in all weather, even the babies. It was part of the curriculum.

You don't have to prescribe it - if kids really want to stay in, let them, but that's not a reason to keep ALL the kids in, all day.

I think prescribing outdoor play is the wrong way to go. If there was less pressure to make sure all kids went outside, then they'd not ever be forced to go when they really felt it was too cold for them.

Our nursery and school kids have been out all this week. Nursery and reception not today only because it’s been icy and it’s not safe in their playground to go out due to ice.

I wouldn’t be happy with this at all. Very lucky that DSs nursery have outside open all day and kids are welcome to come and go as between the garden and playroom all day, other than meal times. There are waterproof suits and wellies for all children. We are asked to send in hats and gloves but the nursery also get a lovely donation of hats from a local knitting group each year which the kids also have access to.
Outdoors is only closed if there is a severe weather warning.

So keep the kids that have health issues inside, and let the others go out.

But none of that is a reason to keep all the kids cooped up inside all day. I say that as someone with autism and sensory issues myself.

Not allowing children outside is bad practice, and if you wanted to you could probably find plenty of professional guidance that supports children being outside in all weathers. In your position, I’d find some and remind them of their obligations. If not all children would be safe to go outside because their parents have failed to provide what they need, then they can either provide it, or keep those children in. The should not be restricting the rights of children out of convenience, and because their staff don’t want to go out.

I'm sure that when mine was there I was told OFSTED/early years framework requires daily outdoor access.

Just to give an alternate perspective on possible reasons, my son has asthma attacks triggered by the cold. There may be needs keeping them inside rather than just poor choices.

Some of my kids always hated the cold and didn't want to go out but were made to quite often due to ratios etc. My youngest hates gloves (sensory issues), but also hates being cold. Others just hate being cold and don't feel comfortable running around wrapped up. Probably milder sensory issues.

That's ridiculous. It's cold but it's not that cold. It's not your fault or your kids fault that other children aren't dressed appropriately.

What's sensible about keeping kids cooped up indoors just because it's cold?

When my DDs were at nursery they were out most days unless it was raining heavily.

I’d agree that it’s the staff who can’t be arsed

He can come and play with us OP! Run a childcare setting for 4-11 year olds and we get out for atleast 30 mins every session unless it is literally a storm.

Many parents have asked if their child can stay in this week as it is too cold but it is our policy (and my belief!) That children should have a run around in the fresh air after a day at school.

He can come and play with us OP! Run a childcare setting for 4-11 year olds and we get out for atleast 30 mins every session unless it is literally a storm.

Many parents have asked if their child can stay in this week as it is too cold but it is our policy (and my belief!) That children should have a run around in the fresh air after a day at school.

That is not good, children need to be outside in all weathers (except for actual extremes like storms). Nursery needs to make sure parents send their children in with appropriate clothing and have some spares for the occasional forgotten item. I'm in Finland and when my children were in nursery they only kept them inside if it was colder than -15, and I thought that was a bit weak of them really, my children played outside in much colder weather than that (and napped outside in colder as babies