Early years sector urges government heatwave safety funding

The Early Years Alliance (EYA) has called on the Government to introduce specific measures to help early years settings cope with increasingly frequent heatwaves. With climate change bringing more extreme weather events, nursery leaders argue that current operational guidance is insufficient without adequate capital funding for infrastructure improvements such as air conditioning units and ventilation systems. The sector is seeking assurances that providers will not face regulatory penalties or funding deductions for temporarily closing during dangerously high temperatures, recognising that many settings—particularly older buildings—lack the physical infrastructure to maintain safe internal temperatures for very young children. This policy intervention highlights growing concerns about how early years provision must adapt to environmental challenges whilst maintaining quality care and meeting statutory safeguarding obligations. For local authorities responsible for sufficiency and early years provision, these calls raise important questions about capital investment strategies, business continuity planning, and the balance between maintaining service availability and ensuring child welfare during extreme weather events.