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Original poster

nursery - children outside all day in the snow

352 replies

jlm122 · 08/02/2021 14:15

I just wondered if any other nurseries are doing this.

Children playing outside all day, on warmer days not a problem but today it's snowed all day, i collected DD and she didn't have her gloves on, her hands were freezing she could barely move them, got her home and got her wetsuit off and her sleeves were wet and cold i'm assuming from hand washing. Feet were freezing, the nursery put a statement out a few weeks ago asking parents not to ask staff to take the children inside as they can't due to COVID.

I don't feel this is right but on the other hand i'm a key worker so need to send her, she's settled and will be starting school in September so i'm not sure if moving her to a different nursery would be the best thing for her.

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Forgothowmuchlhatehomeschoolin · 08/02/2021 15:40

My god l wouldn't leave a dog or cat out in this all day, let alone a young child .
I am all for the great outdoors and dd and l were out in the snow yesterday and today but as soon as the wet gets through, it is no fun. And your dd is really young bless her.

Frazzled2207 · 08/02/2021 15:40

i'd be looking at other nurseries but in the meantime make sure your dc has a Lot of layers on. It's bloody freezing out, As you say it's very different situation in July compared with January.

I would also be querying what exactly is in the risk assessment that means they can't be inside. All nurseries round here are probably trying to send their kids outside more than usual but they are definitely more In than out!

lobsteroll · 08/02/2021 15:51

What do they do in the rain?

It sounds nuts and I'd be really pissed off if my child came home soaking wet in this cold weather.

It's extremely irresponsible. I don't know of any other nurseries doing this. Sounds miserable.

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Toocold · 08/02/2021 16:01

I would not be happy about this at all, it’s free flow here. For those commenting about clothes not being warm enough, I have as an adult all the proper outdoor clothes going but I would be loathe to be out in it all day, I’m freezing after a few hours and I’m far from small so to expect a child to be out in below minus all day is bonkers.

EmbarrassingMama · 08/02/2021 16:03

I haven’t heard of any nursery setting do anything like this. It sounds torturous. My son can only stand being out for about an hour in this weather (currently -2 and snowing here), and that’s in full waterproof gear, snow jacket, gloves and mittens. I can’t even imagine how sad he’d be after 10 hours.

Where are they eating and napping? And how are they able to participate in any dexterous activity? I would report this to Ofsted.

Dustyhedge · 08/02/2021 16:06

Age also makes a difference. Are they doing it in the baby room too. The outdoor forest school my eldest went to was 21/2 plus. They weren’t able to take the little ones. I know as well that on the most miserable days, they’d light fires, get hot chocolate to warm up the children etc.

Snowrabbit · 08/02/2021 16:06

It's appalling and they are not looking after the kids properly. What do they mean by this being in line with their parental agreement? I would report to Care Inspectorate and show that document. Poor wee souls.

SpaceDoubt · 08/02/2021 16:08

That's crazy! I can understand slightly during summer months but no way would I be happy if my my child was left cold and wet potentially for long periods of the day.

My sons nursery is inside as normal with long walks and outdoor play but only weather permitting. Masks at pick up and drop off and no parents inside. They've had 1 asymptomatic case in one "pod" of 2 year olds and that's it. So it's possible and unless they have a tiny building and a large amount of kids then there's no reason why they can't have them safely inside.

Updatemate · 08/02/2021 16:10

How old?

From 3 mine were at a nursery that was completely outdoors. In winter I sent them in a ski suit underneath waterproofs AND lots of changes of clothes as they did get wet. BUT the staff made sure they were warm and appropriately clothed at a times. I wouldn't be happy with what you are describing sounds like they aren't properly set up for it.

BaronessVonCake · 08/02/2021 16:13

That's bonkers, I think it's so neglectful to keep little kids outside all day, even with 'the right clothing' on, in this weather.

And nowhere in the COVID regulations does it say little kids need to be outside ALL DAY. I'd be speaking to the nursery manager and if they still insisted on operating this way I'd put my child in a different nursery.

Bet the nursery staff aren't expected to be outside for a full day. They'll be popping back in for breaks I bet!

savanahnana · 08/02/2021 16:24

This nursery sounds absolutely ridiculous, and I also think the email seems very unprofessional. I would not be happy about my children being made to stay outside all day whatever the weather.

My young children haven’t managed long outside at all today, despite being wrapped up warm and with waterproofs/ski gloves and hats on they were still ready to come in after around 30 minutes. It’s bitter out there and to actually be made to stay outside all day is just miserable.

My daughter is currently off nursery at the moment as I’m not able to work through this, but if she was and it was as you describe then I’d be finding another setting.

Oregano20 · 08/02/2021 16:31

Those that are saying it's the clothes that are unsuitable not the weather, are you prepared to do your office job all day outside? Ridiculous. And as someone pointed out, how can they do anything with gloves on all day? What are they doing, other than running around all day.

user1471462428 · 08/02/2021 16:36

I dressed my son in tights, two pairs of socks, tracksuit bottoms, a vest, a short sleeved top, a long sleeved top, a jumper, a snowsuit and hat and gloves and he lasted an hour before he got too cold. Bollocks to being told to dress for the weather!! It’s too cold to be out for that length of time.

vulturedudess · 08/02/2021 16:36

That's crazy and I'm a big fan of outdoor time for kids. I've always tried to ensure my dc get at least 3 hours outside a day. But this seems a step too far. Lots of nurseries that let the kids spend time inside also haven't had any outbreaks. Are the children outside all day in the rain as well?

Runningincircles · 08/02/2021 16:40

That doesn't sound suitable at all.
Email asking them to review their policy and withdraw your agreement for the full day outside.
If they refuse to review the policy. With the danger of other illnesses and hypothermia. Consider reporting them to Ofsted.

minnie465 · 08/02/2021 16:43

Absolutely nuts! DS (3) lasts half an hour outside at the minute despite being well wrapped up!

Therarestone · 08/02/2021 16:46

That is crazy.

PoptartPoptart · 08/02/2021 16:47

Today was absolutely freezing with the windchill and persistent snow/sleet.
Special clothes are needed for this type of weather if she is going to be outside all day - a simple scarf, gloves and extra vest is not going to cut it!
She needs proper layered thermals, a waterproof snowsuit, ski gloves and hat, and lined waterproof boots too - although can you imagine the hassle of so many small children wrapped up like this when they need to go to the toilet!
I can’t imagine all parents will have the money to buy all this stuff - it’s ridiculous.

Icantrememebrtheartist · 08/02/2021 16:53

Mine go to forest school nursery and are outside all day as the only shelter they have is tents and they’re avoiding those atm due to lacking ventilation.

Children have gone in with base layers, tight fitting top, sweater, waterproofs and warm coat. Plus winter socks, snow boots, hat and gloves. So lots of layers!

Any child not dressed like above I wouldn’t be happy having them outside all day.

mouldyhouse101 · 08/02/2021 16:57

@Oregano20

Those that are saying it's the clothes that are unsuitable not the weather, are you prepared to do your office job all day outside? Ridiculous. And as someone pointed out, how can they do anything with gloves on all day? What are they doing, other than running around all day.
Erm, use your imagination Confused
mouldyhouse101 · 08/02/2021 16:57

@lobsteroll

What do they do in the rain?

It sounds nuts and I'd be really pissed off if my child came home soaking wet in this cold weather.

It's extremely irresponsible. I don't know of any other nurseries doing this. Sounds miserable.

Erm, they wear waterproofs.

You know, the sort of clothing that keeps rain off of you

Maryberryscake · 08/02/2021 17:02

Our nursery isn’t the same . It’s the first I’ve heard of this. I find it ridiculous they’d expect them to be outside all day - in all weathers. It’s bloody freezing!

JeanClaudeVanDammit · 08/02/2021 17:07

With appropriate clothing children are fine outdoors even in this weather - but I would not be happy with this situation. If I wanted my child to be outdoors all day I’d send them to a forest school not a normal nursery setting where I’d expect a good mixture of indoor and outdoor time.

JayAlfredPrufrock · 08/02/2021 17:08

Bloody ridiculous.

I you have got the right clothing on then you get too hot, sweat, then get cold.

Blankscreen · 08/02/2021 17:12

I wouldn't be happy I can imagine how sore and chapped her hands will get if she is gets wet and is then left in wet clothing. They've let you and her down by leaving her in wet clothes today when it is -3.

Presumably they won't change clothing or if they will it will have to be outside.its just a cold miserable existence.

I would move her.

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