Water trays and ice lollies keep nurseries cool in record-breaking heatwave

Most early years settings and schools stayed open on Monday, but some have decided to close at lunchtime today.

Nursery World put a call out to our readers to see how early years settings were coping in the heat.

On Twitter, Emma-Lou, said, ‘We have been lucky to source some portable air con units from businesses next door! Lots of water play going on and activities on floor level to encourage resting while playing. Also, iced water in flasks for staff and ice lollies ready for their breaks.’

Emily Brown said on Facebook, 'Open as usual, water play, play in the shade of trees/gazebo/umbrella, lots of drink stops, aircon indoors....its been a pretty good day tbh.'

Jeanette Stutely said, 'Open as usual! Played in the shade with lots of water then inside with fans on and lights off!'

Children at Storal Learning's Edgbaston nursery (below) enjoyed keeping cool in the garden, as well as helping out with washing a car.

At Kidzrus Media City in Salford, children and staff kept themselves cool with their 'hydration station' with refreshing drinks, fresh fruit and ice lollies.

On Facebook, Laura Dearnley's setting had a unique twist on snack time to take account of the weather.

'All set up for water tray with feet for snacking today!'She added, 'We’re lucky we have a huge tree in our garden at nursery!'

On Facebook, Laura Marlow shared a photo with 'Shade and pool. Dreading tonight tho.'

But it was clear that some early years settings were struggling with the unprecedented heatwave.

On Facebook Marisa Brown said they were open all day on Monday, 'but considering closing tomorrow as none of us are coping at the moment - we've had more tears then usual even though we've had the ice play and water play.'

Mum Diana Lax said, 'My son’s nursery kept all children inside with all windows shut. All in one room because staff absences. Some kids were sick. Planning to open again tomorrow under the same conditions. Is this normal?'

Record-breaking heat

The country experienced the hottest temperatures on record overnight on Monday, with temperatures not falling below 25C in many places.

The temperature hit 38.1C in Santon Downham, Suffolk, on Monday, making it the hottest day of the year and the third hottest day on record, after 38.7C in Cambridge, in 2019, and 38.5C in Faversham, Kent, in August 2003.

The Met Office is predicting highs of as much as 41C in some places in England on Tuesday - an unprecedented temperature for the UK - where an extreme heat warning is in place.

The heatwave is being exacerbated by the climate emergency and experts have warned that the UK will need to adapt homes, transport and cities for future summers.