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

136 replies

FanofLeaves · 20/11/2025 18:47

And I think it’s ridiculous.

its not a particularly spacious place as it is (inner city) but they have climbing equipment and bikes, a sandpit etc outside. ‘garden time’ is easily my son’s favourite part of the day. He’s 4 and just missed going to school this year so he’s feeling pretty frustrated as it is but he’s been livid this week that his outdoor fun has been curtailed.

Anyway, apparently it’s been ‘too cold’ this week to be outside even in a short burst. I pointed out that my son has mittens, a thick winter coat, woolly hat, boots and an extra jumper if needed, and one of the staff said that not all of the children do so it’s ’not very fair’ to have some out but not others. In fact they seemed a bit surprised that I wanted him to be outside in ‘these low temperatures’.

AIBU to think that a) it’s the staff not wanting to go out and be cold and b) they can’t be arsed to put hats/coats/gloves on the small children that can’t do it themselves.

Because I really can’t think of a valid reason not to let children outside, I know it’s been chilly and yeah I get staying in while it was raining for a bit yesterday but apart from that, we live in the south of England- and there’s no need to keep kids cooped up inside just because it happens to be winter.

Son only attends 3 days a week but they’re full days. When he’s with me we go out to the big parks, scoot everywhere, climb trees, out on waterproofs to be out in the puddles etc. I really notice a shift in his behaviour when he’s not had fresh air and active outdoor time. I don’t drive either so sometimes we just need to get from A to B whatever the weather.

Any other nurseries have this ridiculous policy? Would you agree with it if they did?

OP posts:
ResusciAnnie · 20/11/2025 19:13

We got some very blurry photos of DD careening around in the snow! I’d be annoyed if they were shut inside all day.

Ooodelally · 20/11/2025 19:12

The staff don’t fancy it that’s really clear. Ask them what the policy is on outdoor play…

arcticpandas · 20/11/2025 19:10

In Scandinavian nurseries they are out every single day; Rain or snow. Children wear special clothing for Rain and boots and ski clothes when it's snowy.

Either the staff is precious or parents haven't sent in/been told to send in warm clothes so that the children can be outside. As a sahm I took my children outside everyday except when it was raining heavily. DS1 had so much energy that he needed outside play.

YourFirmLimeHam · 20/11/2025 19:10

God, I'd love if my kid's nursery were ever as sensible as this.

Childanddogmama · 20/11/2025 19:05

My daughter's nursery go out every single day. They were out there in the dark tonight :)
Understand many/ most don't have warm clothing but surely nursery could buy a load of spares from the charity shop or ask for donations etc.

Glendaruel · 20/11/2025 19:04

My kids nursery would send reminder to send in a winter suit to keep at nursery then it would be swapped for raincoat in summer. They were both out in all weathers, my daughter loved splashing in the rain.

Cyclistmumgrandma · 20/11/2025 19:01

When I was teaching in Switzerland, in a school for ages 3 to 11, we had the children out all winter. We had one stretch of cold weather when it was below -20°C for three weeks straight. Yes the children went out to play, and yes, I took my ski pants and ski jacket in with me to do playground duty.

Yourethebeerthief · 20/11/2025 18:59

Is this even allowed nowadays? My son’s nursery has them out every day unless there’s literally a storm. Many nurseries now are free flow.

millymollymoomoo · 20/11/2025 18:57

Totally ridiculous, look for another nursery. Mine were out a lot at nursery and they much preferred being outdoors

Bitzee · 20/11/2025 18:54

How cold actually is it? When we lived in Chicago daycare had this policy but it applied 20 Fahrenheit or below (equivalent to about -7 celsius). If it anything above freezing then that’s ridiculous though. Parents just need reminding to pack coats and gloves.

lackingfestiveinspo · 20/11/2025 18:52

I work in a nursery and we aim to be out 3 hours per day. We haven’t reached that target this week due to many children not having proper winter clothing (hat, gloves etc) some are well equipped but we do not have enough spares for everyone. Multiple reminders to parents have been sent out re winter wear.

We have been out 3 times a day (morning, afternoon and after tea) for 30-45 mins at a time depending on how cold / unhappy the children are.

To not go out at all is shocking and under the EYFS requirements children should access the outdoors environment daily.