How teachers, coaches and school leaders can keep children safe, engaged and active during periods of high temperature.
When temperatures rise, many schools face the same question:
Should PE lessons, sports clubs and outdoor activities continue as normal?
Whilst physical activity remains an important part of every child’s development, hot weather introduces additional considerations that schools must manage carefully. Teachers, coaches and school leaders have a responsibility to ensure activities remain both enjoyable and safe, whilst continuing to provide meaningful learning opportunities.
The good news is that PE does not need to stop altogether during warm weather. In most cases, simple adaptations to lesson content, activity intensity and organisation can allow pupils to remain active whilst significantly reducing risk.
This guide outlines practical steps schools can take to deliver PE and school sport safely during hot weather.
Understanding the Risks of Physical Activity in Hot Weather
Children can be more vulnerable to heat-related illness than adults, particularly during prolonged periods of physical activity.
Hot weather can increase the risk of:
- Dehydration
- Heat exhaustion
- Sunburn
- Fatigue
- Reduced concentration
- Dizziness and headaches
- Reduced physical performance
One challenge for staff is that younger children do not always recognise when they are becoming overheated or dehydrated. This makes proactive planning and supervision particularly important.
Recognising the Early Warning Signs
All staff involved in physical activity should be aware of the early signs of heat-related illness.
These may include:
- Excessive sweating
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Unusual tiredness
- Muscle cramps
- Pale or flushed skin
- Difficulty concentrating
If a pupil begins to display these symptoms, activity should stop immediately and appropriate action should be taken in line with the school’s first aid procedures.
1. Adapt the Activity, Not the Learning
One of the most common misconceptions is that PE must be cancelled during hot weather.
In reality, many lessons can continue successfully by adapting the type and intensity of activity being delivered.
For example:
Instead of:
- Continuous running
- Full football matches
- High-intensity fitness circuits
Consider:
- Skill development
- Technical practice
- Small-group challenges
- Tactical understanding
- Team-building activities
The learning objectives remain the same, but the physical demands can be reduced significantly.
This allows pupils to continue progressing without unnecessary exposure to heat-related risks.
2. Increase Hydration Opportunities
Hydration should be planned rather than left to chance.
Good practice includes:
- Encouraging pupils to bring water bottles
- Building water breaks into lesson plans
- Providing opportunities to refill bottles
- Encouraging pupils to drink before they feel thirsty
Teachers and coaches should model good hydration habits themselves and regularly remind pupils throughout the session.
3. Make Use of Shade and Cooler Spaces
Where possible, activities should take place in:
- Shaded playground areas
- Tree-covered spaces
- Covered outdoor areas
- Indoor halls
Whilst indoor spaces can also become warm, they often provide protection from direct sunlight and can be a safer environment during peak temperatures.
When working outdoors, consider rotating groups between activity and shaded recovery zones.
4. Review Lesson Timing
The timing of physical activity can have a significant impact on pupil safety.
Where flexibility exists, schools should consider:
- Scheduling more demanding activities earlier in the day
- Using cooler morning periods for outdoor lessons
- Reducing activity levels during the hottest part of the afternoon
This is particularly relevant for sports days, tournaments and enrichment events.
5. Consider Clothing and Sun Protection
Appropriate clothing plays an important role in helping children remain comfortable and safe.
Schools should encourage:
- Lightweight PE clothing
- Sun hats where appropriate
- Access to sun cream in line with school policy
- Removal of unnecessary layers
Children who are comfortable are more likely to remain engaged and less likely to experience heat-related difficulties.
6. Rethinking Sports Day During Hot Weather
Sports day is often one of the highlights of the school calendar, but it can present additional challenges when temperatures are high.
Rather than cancelling events entirely, schools may wish to consider:
- Additional hydration stations
- More shaded waiting areas
- Shorter activity rotations
- Increased rest periods
- Smaller group sizes
- Earlier start times
These adjustments can help ensure children continue to enjoy the event safely.
A Hot Weather PE Checklist for Schools
Before delivering PE or sporting activities in warm weather, consider:
- Are pupils adequately hydrated?
- Have additional water breaks been planned?
- Has activity intensity been reviewed?
- Is shade available?
- Are staff aware of the signs of heat-related illness?
- Are appropriate first aid arrangements in place?
- Has the lesson been adapted where necessary?
If the answer to all of the above is yes, schools are well placed to continue delivering safe and effective physical activity.
Supporting Schools to Deliver Safe, High-Quality PE
Delivering PE safely requires ongoing professional judgement, particularly when environmental conditions change.
At Sprint Active Education, our coaches are trained to adapt activities, manage risk effectively and ensure pupils remain engaged whilst prioritising safety and wellbeing. Whether delivering curriculum PE, extra-curricular clubs or enrichment activities, we believe children should be able to enjoy the benefits of physical activity all year round.
Have a Question?
If you have any questions about this topic or would like to explore how it applies within your setting, we’d be happy to help. Every settings context is different, and sometimes a short conversation can provide useful clarity. Simply complete the form below and a member of our team will be in touch.
