Hartland School

Winter Outdoor Play Guidelines

The National Nurses’ Association has established the following guidelines for outdoor recess during the winter months. Before the students have been let off the bus, and before recess, the principal or head teacher will make a decision with the guidance of the nurse. The following factors will be considered as well as going outside to check on the conditions:

OUTDOOR BEFORE SCHOOL PLAY~ Feels like 15 degrees and above (considering wind chill factor), unless there is frozen precipitation that makes the playground unsafe.

OUTDOOR RECESS ~ Feels like 20 degrees and above (considering wind chill factor), and the playground equipment is safe or the blacktop is accessible.

INSIDE RECESS ~ Feels like 19 degrees or below (considering wind chill factor), and/or there is frozen precipitation that makes the playground unsafe.

CLASSROOM TEACHERS OUTDOOR RECESS PLAN ~ Feels like 15 – 19 degrees (considering wind chill factor) try to get students outside for 5 or 10 minutes, as fits their schedule. If there is significant snow/ice on the ground or the equipment, check with the principal or head teacher first.