Heatwave warning for school Sports Day: What parents need to know
Schools press ahead with Sports Days this week – but here’s how to keep kids safe in the heat
With much of the UK now under an amber heat alert and temperatures climbing into the 30s, parents are being urged to take extra care as children head outside for school Sports Days.
While many of us love the tradition of cheering on races and balancing bean bags in the sunshine, the ongoing heatwave means extra precautions are needed — especially for younger children, who are more vulnerable to dehydration and overheating.
What’s the risk
Children don’t regulate body temperature as well as adults, making them more prone to heat exhaustion, sunburn and dehydration. This week’s weather alerts, issued by the UK Health Security Agency, highlights increased health risks for children and those with underlying conditions — and with many schools holding Sports Day now, the timing couldn’t be more crucial.
How to prep your child for a hot-weather Sports Day
1. Dress for the weather
Stick to lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in pale colours — these help reflect sunlight and keep the body cooler. A sun hat or cap is a must, as is a pair of UV-protective sunglasses if your child will tolerate them.
2. Apply sun cream – and pack extra
Choose a high-factor sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) and apply it generously before school — don’t forget the backs of ears, neck and the tops of feet. Reapplication every two hours is recommended, so if school allows, send your child in with a labelled bottle in their bag.
3. Focus on hydration
Make sure your child drinks water before they leave home, and pack a full, refillable water bottle. Encourage regular sipping — not just during races, but in between. It’s better to drink little and often throughout the day than to wait until they feel thirsty.
4. Don’t push through discomfort
This is not the week for smashing personal bests. Children should be encouraged to take breaks, rest in the shade and speak up if they feel tired, dizzy or too hot. Teachers and parents should be alert to early warning signs of heat exhaustion, including headaches, nausea or sudden fatigue.
Should Sports Days still be going ahead?
Most schools are currently reviewing their plans daily, with some opting to start earlier in the morning, shorten events or reschedule entirely. If you’re not sure, check in with your child’s school and ask what measures are in place for shade, hydration and rest breaks.
If your child has any underlying health conditions, or simply seems out of sorts in the heat, it’s worth speaking with their teacher about whether they should be taking part at all.
What if your child is just playing outdoors?
Even outside of school hours, it’s a good idea to limit intense physical activity to early mornings or later evenings, when the heat is less oppressive. Swap high-intensity games for water play, slower-paced garden fun or indoor alternatives like yoga or dance videos.
If your child does want to stay active outdoors, keep activity brief and shaded — and always have cool-down strategies ready to go, like damp flannels on the neck or misting bottles of cold water.
When to worry: heat exhaustion in children
Look out for signs like:
- Flushed cheeks or pale, clammy skin
- Dizziness or headaches
- Unusual tiredness or irritability
- Nausea or stomach ache
If your child shows any of these symptoms, it’s time to bring them into the shade, offer sips of water and help them cool down gently. A cool, damp towel on the back of the neck or wrists can help lower their body temperature.
While school Sports Days are a joyful part of summer, the current heatwave calls for extra care and flexibility. So whether your child is gearing up for a relay or just wants to run around in the garden, the advice is the same: prioritise hydration, avoid the hottest part of the day, and go easy on intensity.
And don’t forget a shady spot and plenty of water for yourself too — Sports Day spectating is a contact sport in this weather!
Read more:
Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.