Health protection resources for early years

Hot weather guidance

Guidance for educational professionals and early years providers on supporting children during periods of hot weather - essential advice for individuals caring for children on mitigating health risks associated with high temperatures.

Essential health guidance and action cards for hot weather: City and Hackney - extreme heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, and is linked to excess deaths, particularly from respiratory and cardiovascular causes. Vulnerable groups include the elderly (75+), children under 4, those with long-term health conditions, outdoor workers, and individuals in unstable housing.

Weather-Health Alerting system - register for timely alerts to help prepare for and manage changing weather conditions.

Cold weather guidance

Winter planning for schools and early years settings - resource that supports settings in cold weather risks to health.

Safe sleeping

Keeping children safe is the priority for every parent, carer, and professional. Following safe sleeping guidance significantly reduces the risk of serious harm, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). See also safer sleeping advice from The Lullaby Trust. 

Managing room temperature (summer heat)

  • Target temperature: Aim for a sleeping room temperature of 16–20°C. Use a room thermometer to monitor this
  • Checking temperature: If you don't have a thermometer, check the baby’s chest or the back of their neck. If the skin feels hot or sweaty, remove one or more layers of bedclothes or bedding
  • Cooling the room: If the room is difficult to cool, use lighter bedding and clothing. Open windows and doors to increase airflow, and use a fan - ensuring it is not aimed directly at the baby
  • Out and about: Never cover prams or strollers with blankets or non-breathable materials. Use an umbrella or a designated sunshade to keep them cool while allowing airflow

Safe sleep positioning

  • The "Back to Sleep" rule: Always place babies on their back to sleep until they are old enough to roll over on their own
  • Feet-to-foot position: Place the baby at the foot of their cot so they cannot slip down under the blankets. Bedding should be lightweight, designed for baby sleep, and firmly tucked in (not above shoulder height)
  • Sleep bags: If using a sleep bag, ensure it is the correct size for the baby's weight and the appropriate thickness (tog) for the season
  • Clear sleep spaces: Avoid pillows, cushions, and soft toys in the cot, as these pose a significant suffocation risk. Children under 18–24 months do not need pillows or cushions

Safe travel (car seats)

  • Firm, flat surfaces: Sleeping spaces for babies should always be firm and flat. Prolonged travel in an upright car seat can lead to breathing difficulties for young babies
  • Arrival routine: If a baby falls asleep while travelling, move them to a firm, flat surface immediately upon arriving at your destination
  • Supervision: If a child must sleep in a car seat during transit, an adult should sit in the back next to the child to monitor their wellbeing and breathing constantly

Co-sleeping risks

Co-sleeping is dangerous and should be avoided, especially if:

  • Anyone in the bed has consumed alcohol
  • Anyone in the bed smokes
  • Anyone in the bed has taken drugs or medication that causes drowsiness
  • The baby was born prematurely (before 37 weeks) or weighed under 2.5kg (5½ lbs) at birth

Important warning: Never fall asleep on a sofa or armchair with a baby. The risk of SIDS is 50 times higher in these settings, and there is a critical risk of the baby slipping into a position where they cannot breathe.

Childhood immunisations

As a trusted partner in a child’s development, early years practitioners play a vital role in supporting families to keep children healthy and ready to learn. Your conversations with parents and carers can be the first step toward improving vaccination uptake across the borough.Why your role is vital

Vaccination is the safest and most effective way to protect children from serious, preventable diseases such as measles, rubella, and meningitis. With vaccination rates having declined nationally, families may need gentle encouragement, clear information, and reassurance about the vaccination process.

You are well-positioned to help parents make informed choices. Use the following approach to guide your discussions:

  • Create an open space: Use "Make Every Contact Count" (MECC) principles to have brief, non-judgmental conversations. Ask parents about their child’s health during routine check-ins or registration
  • Check "Red Books": Encourage parents to check their child's Personal Child Health Record (the "Red Book") if they are unsure about their vaccination status
  • Build confidence: If a parent expresses anxiety or hesitancy, listen to their concerns without judgment. Provide clear, evidence-based information and signpost them to their GP practice or Health Visitor, who are best equipped to answer clinical questions and support their decision-making
  • Normalisation: Remind families that it is never too late to catch up on missed vaccinations. Help them understand that keeping vaccinations up to date keeps the whole school community and vulnerable children safe

How to signpost

When a parent is ready to take action or needs more information, provide these clear steps:

  1. Contact their GP: In City and Hackney, immunisations are delivered by GP practices. Advise parents to contact their practice directly to book appointments
  2. Contact their Health Visitor: For specific questions or concerns about the schedule, the Health Visiting team is the primary point of contact for support

Resources to support your practice

Use these resources to stay informed and to share with the families you support:

You must report a suspected measles case in Hackney, you must immediately contact the North London Health Protection Team (NL HPT). You are legally required to report any suspected cases (do not wait for laboratory confirmation)

Who to contact

Information you need to provide

When contacting the Health Protection Team, make sure to have the following details ready:

  • Patient details: Full name, date of birth, NHS number, and home address
  • Clinical information: Date of symptom onset (e.g., fever, rash) and any known exposure history
  • Setting context: Where the individual was exposed or is currently located
  • Vulnerabilities: Whether the patient or close contacts are pregnant, immunosuppressed, or under 1 year of age
  • Travel history: Any recent overseas travel, if applicable

Immediate actions to take in your setting

  1. Isolate: Move the symptomatic individual to a separate, well-ventilated room away from others
  2. Seek medical advice: Advise the individual (or their parent/guardian) to contact their GP or NHS 111, instructing them to call ahead before visiting any healthcare setting
  3. Exclude from setting: Instruct the infected person to stay away from the school or nursery for at least 4 full days from when the rash first appears

Share info with parents: Provide the NHS Measles Guide to parents to encourage vaccination and monitoring.

Immunisations (health protection)

Managing Whooping Cough (Pertussis) in childcare and educational settings

Managing Scarlet Fever and Strep A in childcare and educational settings

Important health protection resources for your setting

General advice

Reporting notifiable diseases and suspected outbreaks

Early years settings and schools play a vital role in identifying and managing public health concerns. You must report notifiable diseases and suspected outbreaks to the UKHSA North London Health Protection Team (HPT) promptly to ensure appropriate action and advice.

When to report or seek advice

You are required to contact the UKHSA if you observe any of the following:

  • Increased absences: A rapid increase or higher-than-usual staff or pupil absences due to the same infection
  • Severe illness: Evidence of severe disease, such as hospital admissions, or clusters of vulnerable cases
  • Notifiable diseases: Suspected cases of notifiable diseases (e.g., measles, scarlet fever, chicken pox etc.)

How to contact the UKHSA

Urgent Reporting: For outbreaks or urgent advice, call the North London Health Protection Team on 0300 30 30 450 (available 24/7).
Written Reporting: Email london.region@ukhsa.gov.uk.
Routine Updates: For non-urgent logging of cases, please use the GOV.UK Report a Notifiable Disease service.

Information required

To assist the Health Protection Team in their assessment, please have the following details ready before you contact them:

  • The number of symptomatic individuals
  • Affected classes, year groups, or specific areas of the setting
  • Details of any hospitalisations
  • Relevant context regarding vulnerable individuals or recent exposure history

Further guidance

For comprehensive operational procedures and outbreak management, please refer to the official Health Protection in Schools and Other Childcare Facilities guide.

Related documents and links

Your child's journey from birth to five

Trusted information, advice and guidance for all Hackney parents and carers about their child's health and developmental needs