Winter Weather Readiness: A Practical Guide for Childcare Settings
As temperatures drop and winter approaches, childcare providers face a unique set of challenges. Ice, snow, darker days and colder conditions can all impact daily operations, staff availability and, most importantly, the safety and wellbeing of children. Preparing early helps settings stay resilient, minimise disruption and continue offering safe, nurturing environments throughout the winter months.
This guide outlines key steps you can take to get your setting winter-ready.
1. Keep Outdoor Areas Safe and Accessible
Outdoor play remains important throughout the colder months, but extra precautions help reduce risks.
• Clear Pathways
• Grit or salt pathways, entrances and drop-off points before children arrive.
• Reapply grit early in the morning and after snowfall or freezing rain.
• Keep outdoor storage areas and fire exits accessible.
Check Play Areas
• Remove ice from climbing structures and slides.
• Ensure fencing and gates are secure after strong winds or storms.
• Regularly inspect surfaces for slipping hazards.
2. Review Heating, Ventilation and Indoor Comfort
Keeping children warm while maintaining good ventilation can be a balancing act in winter.
Essential Checks:
• Ensure your heating system has been serviced and is functioning efficiently.
• Check that radiators or heaters are guarded, especially in early years rooms.
• Maintain adequate airflow to reduce condensation and airborne viruses.
Clothing & Spare Kits:
• Remind parents to provide warm, labelled clothing: coats, hats, waterproofs and gloves.
• Keep spare layers on-site for children who need them.
3. Manage Travel, Staff Ratios and Emergency Plans
Winter weather can be unpredictable, so thoughtful planning helps reduce operational disruption.
Travel Considerations:
• Allow additional travel time for staff and families.
• Encourage team members to plan safe routes and consider alternative transport if needed.
• Update contact numbers for staff and emergency cover.
Staffing & Ratios:
• Ensure contingency plans are in place if travel conditions delay or prevent staff from arriving.
• Identify team members who can provide cover at short notice.
Emergency Procedures:
Review policies for:
• Extreme weather closures
• Power outages
• Heating failures
Make sure all staff know where first aid kits, torches, and emergency contact lists are kept.
4. Communicate Clearly With Parents and Carers
Good communication helps families feel informed and reassured during winter conditions.
Use Multiple Channels:
• Send updates via email, text or app notifications.
• Display clear signage at entrances during icy weather.
• Share reminders about warm clothing, pick-up arrangements and outdoor play expectations.
Manage Expectations:
Explain how you approach safety checks, staffing, outdoor play and potential closures so families understand your processes ahead of time.
5. Prioritise Health, Hygiene and Winter Illness Prevention
Winter often brings an increase in coughs, colds and seasonal illnesses.
Key Steps:
• Reinforce handwashing routines.
• Increase cleaning of high-touch surfaces.
• Ensure tissues and disposal bins are readily available.
• Encourage parents to follow guidance on when children should stay at home.
Good ventilation, outdoor play and spacing during high-traffic times can also help reduce the spread of winter bugs.
6. Prepare for Power Cuts and Utility Issues
Extreme cold or storms may cause occasional temporary outages.
Practical Considerations:
• Keep torches and spare batteries easily accessible.
• Store blankets for warmth if heating is affected.
• Review food safety procedures if refrigeration is disrupted.
• Have a clear process for alerting parents and arranging early collection if necessary.
7. Use Winter as a Learning Opportunity
Winter offers wonderful sensory and learning experiences for children.
Why not try:
• Exploring frost, ice and snow during supervised outdoor play.
• Winter-themed crafts and storytime.
• Learning about weather changes and seasons.
With the right preparation, winter becomes a season for safe exploration and curiosity rather than disruption.
Winter brings challenges, but proactive planning helps childcare settings stay safe, warm and operational throughout the colder months. By reviewing risk assessments, preparing staff, communicating with families and keeping environments well-maintained, your setting can continue delivering high-quality care whatever the weather brings.
At Morton Michel, we understand the pressures childcare providers can face during the winter season. While every setting’s needs can vary, we’re committed to continuing our long-standing support for the sector – offering guidance, the latest sector insights, and insurance solutions designed specially for childcare and education professionals. If you’d like to get in touch with our team, please call us on 0330 058 9861 or email customerservice@mortonmichel.com.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. Each childcare setting must assess its own risks and ensure compliance with relevant laws and guidance. Morton Michel accepts no liability for any loss, damage or injury arising from reliance on this content. Insurance cover is subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the individual policy.