⚠️ SAFETY-CRITICAL POLICY — REQUIRES HUMAN SIGN-OFF BEFORE USE The heat, UV, air-quality, and wind thresholds in this policy protect young children outdoors in Bahrain's climate. Before it is published or relied upon, Al Fajer Private School leadership must: (1) fill every [NEEDS AFS INPUT] placeholder (outdoor facilities, thermometer locations), (2) confirm the action thresholds with the School Nurse, and (3) formally adopt it with real dates. Nothing in this document has been invented to fill those gaps.
DOCUMENT CONTROL
| Policy Reference | AFS-POL-36 (proposed scheme — see _ADAPTATION_NOTES.md) [NEEDS AFS INPUT: confirm policy-numbering scheme] |
| Date Adopted | [NEEDS AFS INPUT] |
| Last Review Date | [NEEDS AFS INPUT] |
| Next Scheduled Revision (biannually) | [NEEDS AFS INPUT] |
| Version | Author | Date | Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.1 | [NEEDS AFS INPUT: policy owner] | [NEEDS AFS INPUT] | Adapted for Al Fajer Private School (KG1 – Grade 6, American curriculum) from the source policy; sunscreen guidance reframed by age for a primary campus |
Table of Contents
- Rationale
- General Responsibilities
- Temperatures and Action Taken
- Ultraviolet Index (UVI) and Action Taken
- Air Quality and Action Taken
- Wet Weather and Action Taken
- Windy Weather and Action Taken
- Signs of Weather-Related Illness
- School Trips
- Ramadan
- References
1.0 Rationale
1.1 The safety of our students and staff is paramount. So that students and staff can work and play outdoors safely, this policy outlines how outdoor lessons and outdoor play are governed by considerations of weather. All staff should be aware of the rules, and all community members should follow the instructions included in this document. AFS students are young children (KG1 – Grade 6, approximately ages 3 – 12), so adults carry the responsibility for monitoring conditions and acting on them.
2.0 General Responsibilities
2.1 All staff
- 2.1.1 To follow the guidelines in this policy.
- 2.1.2 To ensure they are hydrated.
- 2.1.3 To advise students to stay hydrated.
- 2.1.4 To report any concerns about weather and its impact on students to their line manager.
- 2.1.5 To assist younger students with sunscreen application where needed, in line with the school's safeguarding norms (in open, visible settings), and to supervise self-application by students in Grades 4 – 6.
2.2 Staff on duty
- 2.2.1 To enforce the "no hat, no play" rule (KG students play in shaded areas).
- 2.2.2 To monitor student well-being.
- 2.2.3 To report any concerns to their line manager immediately.
- 2.2.4 To send any at-risk student to the School Nurse, with an adult escort.
- 2.2.5 To refer to the school's outdoor thermometers to guide their judgments [NEEDS AFS INPUT: AFS outdoor facilities — confirm thermometer locations, shaded play areas, and all-weather surfaces].
2.3 Physical education teachers
- 2.3.1 To use thermometers at the activity area if they feel temperatures need to be monitored.
- 2.3.2 To promote hydration and ensure regular water breaks.
- 2.3.3 To model behavior for students and take water bottles and hats to outdoor lessons.
- 2.3.4 To prevent students from taking part in lessons if they are not suitably prepared.
2.4 Security staff and other staff who stay outdoors for long periods
- 2.4.1 To carry a water bottle, or to ensure indoor breaks with water occur every hour.
2.5 Students
- 2.5.1 To follow the instructions of teachers.
- 2.5.2 To bring a water bottle to school.
- 2.5.3 To bring appropriate sports attire, as per school rules, to school.
- 2.5.4 To wear a hat when outdoors in full sunlight.
- 2.5.5 (Grades 4 – 6) To bring sunscreen to school when required and apply it themselves, with parental consent.
2.6 Parents
- 2.6.1 To ensure their child is suitably prepared for outdoor lessons and play — this means students have a water bottle and hat, and have sunscreen applied before school. Parents apply sunscreen for younger children before school; students in Grades 4 – 6 may bring sunscreen and apply it themselves, with parental consent.
- 2.6.2 To respect the judgments of the school.
- 2.6.3 To raise any concerns with the school through appropriate channels.
- 2.6.4 To liaise with the School Nurse if additional sunscreen needs to be kept at school (in particular for children with skin conditions and/or who are sensitive to the sun, e.g., fair-skinned or freckled students).
3.0 Temperatures and Action Taken
| Temperature | Outdoor play during break time | Outdoor lessons |
|---|---|---|
| 3.1 Greater than 40 °C / 104 °F | • Staff will judge whether students should remain inside or in shade. • No outdoor sport or physical activity allowed. • Students must wear caps in full sunlight. • Parents are advised to apply SPF 50 sunscreen before a child attends school. | • Staff will judge whether students should remain inside, taking into account temperature, wind, age of students, etc. • Students must wear caps and have water bottles. • Water breaks in the shade, where possible, every 10–15 minutes. • Students can ask to sit out if they are feeling too hot. • Parents must apply SPF 50 sunscreen before the child attends school. Students in Grades 4–6 may bring sunscreen and apply it themselves, with parental consent. |
| 3.2 Between 30 and 40 °C / 86 and 104 °F | • Sport and physical activity allowed. • Students must wear caps in full sunlight. • Drinking water to be encouraged. • Parents are advised to apply SPF 50 sunscreen before a child attends school. | • Lessons continue as normal. • Water breaks in the shade, where possible, every 15–20 minutes. • Students must wear caps in full sunlight. • Parents are advised to apply SPF 50 sunscreen before a child attends school. Students in Grades 4–6 may bring sunscreen and apply it themselves, with parental consent. |
| 3.3 Between 20 and 30 °C / 68 and 86 °F | • Sports and physical activity allowed. • Drinking water to be encouraged. • Sunscreen is advised. | • Lessons continue as normal. • Water breaks allowed at the teacher's discretion. • Sunscreen is advised. |
| 3.4 Less than 20 °C / 68 °F | • Students should have an additional long-sleeve top/jersey/cardigan in case of cold. | • Students should have an additional long-sleeve sports top/jersey/cardigan in case of cold. |
4.0 Ultraviolet Index (UVI) and Action Taken
4.1 Sunlight emits UV radiation (3 bands — UVA, UVB, UVC), all of which are harmful to the DNA of skin cells and eyes. The UVI measures the level of UV radiation: the higher the UVI, the greater the potential for damage to the skin and eyes, and the less time it takes for harm to occur. Due to its position in relation to the equator, Bahrain has high UV exposure generally. UV radiation is lowest during December/January (~5), so outdoor lessons are safest at that time of year.
4.2 Assigned staff may refer to a real-time UVI index for Bahrain in case of high UVI measures: https://uvindex.today/cities/manama-bh (external link, checked at adaptation — links may move; verify before relying on it).
| UVI | Outdoor play during break time | Outdoor lessons |
|---|---|---|
| 4.2.1 — 11+ (extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure) | • All activities should take place in the shade. • If in the sun, wear protective clothing (long-sleeved, dry-fit material), a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. • Generously apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen (parents apply before school; children with fair skin should have extra sunscreen with the nurse) — even on cloudy days — and after swimming or sweating. • Avoid playing on bright surfaces, as they reflect UV and increase exposure. | • All activities should take place in the shade. • If in the sun, wear protective clothing (long-sleeved, dry-fit material), a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. • Generously apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen (parents apply before school; children with fair skin should have extra sunscreen with the nurse) — even on cloudy days — and after swimming or sweating. • Avoid playing on bright surfaces, as they reflect UV and increase exposure. |
| 4.2.2 — 8–10 (very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure) | • Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., particularly around midday. • Time in the shade as often as possible. • Wear protective clothing (long-sleeved, dry-fit material), a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. • Generously apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen (parents apply before school; children with fair skin should have extra sunscreen with the nurse) — even on cloudy days — and after swimming or sweating. • Avoid playing on bright surfaces, as they reflect UV and increase exposure. | • Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., particularly around midday. • Time in the shade as often as possible. • Wear protective clothing (long-sleeved, dry-fit material), a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. • Generously apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen (parents apply before school; children with fair skin should have extra sunscreen with the nurse) — even on cloudy days — and after swimming or sweating. • Avoid playing on bright surfaces, as they reflect UV and increase exposure. |
| 4.2.3 — 6–7 (high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure) | • Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., particularly around midday. • Retreat to the shade often. • Wear protective clothing (long-sleeved, dry-fit material), a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. • Generously apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen (parents apply before school; children with fair skin should have extra sunscreen with the nurse) — even on cloudy days — and after swimming or sweating. • Limit time playing on bright surfaces, as they reflect UV and increase exposure. | • Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., particularly around midday. • Retreat to the shade often. • Wear protective clothing (long-sleeved, dry-fit material), a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. • Generously apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen (parents apply before school; children with fair skin should have extra sunscreen with the nurse) — even on cloudy days — and after swimming or sweating. • Limit time playing on bright surfaces, as they reflect UV and increase exposure. |
| 4.2.4 — 3–5 (moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure) | • Stay in shade near midday (when the sun is strongest). • Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. • Generously apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen (parents apply before school; children with fair skin should have extra sunscreen with the nurse) — even on cloudy days — and after swimming or sweating. • Limit time playing on bright surfaces, as they reflect UV and increase exposure. | • Stay in shade near midday (when the sun is strongest). • Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. • Generously apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen (parents apply before school; children with fair skin should have extra sunscreen with the nurse) — even on cloudy days — and after swimming or sweating. • Limit time playing on bright surfaces, as they reflect UV and increase exposure. |
| 4.2.5 — 0–2 (low danger from the sun's UV rays for the average person) | • Wear sunglasses on bright days. • Students who burn easily should cover up and use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen (parents apply before school; children with fair skin should have extra sunscreen with the nurse). • Take care playing on bright surfaces, as they reflect UV and increase exposure. | • Wear sunglasses on bright days. • Students who burn easily should cover up and use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen (parents apply before school; children with fair skin should have extra sunscreen with the nurse). • Take care playing on bright surfaces, as they reflect UV and increase exposure. |
5.0 Air Quality and Action Taken
5.1 Staff will make judgments on air quality using visual observation; if in doubt, they may refer to a real-time air-quality index for Bahrain: https://aqicn.org/map/bahrain/ (external link, checked at adaptation — links may move; verify before relying on it).
| AQI | What does this look like? | Outdoor play during break time | Outdoor lessons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.1.1 — 201 or over | Air/sky appears dusty; significant presence of particles/dust is evident. | • Indoor play only. • At-risk students should have medication (e.g., inhalers) or check in with the School Nurse if in doubt. | • Indoor lessons only. • At-risk students should have medication (e.g., inhalers) or check in with the School Nurse if in doubt. • At-risk students and staff should monitor their condition and report any concerns to their teacher/line manager. |
| 5.1.2 — Between 151 and 200 | Air/sky appears hazy; some evidence of particles/dust. | • Normal, unless teachers judge that students should be moved indoors. • At-risk students should have medication (e.g., inhalers) or check in with the School Nurse if in doubt. | • Normal. • At-risk students should have medication (e.g., inhalers) or check in with the School Nurse if in doubt. • At-risk students and staff should monitor their condition and report any concerns to their teacher/line manager. |
| 5.1.3 — Up to 150 (healthy, though possibly unhealthy for sensitive groups) | Air/sky appears clear or fairly clear; little haziness; little evidence of particles/dust. | • Normal. • At-risk students should have medication (e.g., inhalers) or check in with the School Nurse if in doubt. | • Normal. • At-risk students should have medication (e.g., inhalers) or check in with the School Nurse if in doubt. |
6.0 Wet Weather and Action Taken
6.1 Staff will make judgments on precipitation using visual observation; if in doubt, they may refer to a real-time forecast.
| Precipitation type | What does this look like? | Outdoor play during break time | Outdoor lessons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.1.1 Heavy rain | Persistent, fast-falling fat raindrops which create large bodies of water (puddles) quickly. This could go on for a sustained period of time (days), leading to some areas becoming flooded and possibly inaccessible. | • Suspended. • Play should take place in an indoor facility. | • Suspended. • Lessons should take place in an indoor facility. |
| 6.1.2 Light rain | Persistent, fast-falling small raindrops which lead to small bodies of water being created over a period of time. Ground will be wet and may take a little time to dry. | • Suspended. • Play should take place in an indoor facility. | • Play on all-weather sports surfaces [NEEDS AFS INPUT: AFS outdoor facilities — confirm any all-weather surface] can go ahead, as long as the participants are wearing appropriate anti-slip footwear and waterproof clothing / have a change of dry clothing. |
| 6.1.3 Heavy shower | Rainfall is heavy, sudden, brief, and happens intermittently over a short period of time (hours). Ground areas will become wet but may not retain water, particularly on warmer days. | • Suspended. • Play should take place in an indoor facility. | • Play on all-weather sports surfaces (see above) can go ahead, as long as the participants are wearing appropriate anti-slip footwear and waterproof clothing / have a change of dry clothing. |
| 6.1.4 Light shower | Rainfall is drizzly, sudden, and brief, and happens intermittently over a short period of time (hours). Ground areas may become slightly wet but will dry quickly. | • At the discretion of the teacher, play can continue outside. • Use of concrete surfaces should be at the discretion of the teacher (risk-assessed). | • Play on all-weather sports surfaces (see above) can go ahead, as long as the participants are wearing appropriate anti-slip footwear and waterproof clothing / have a change of dry clothing, if necessary. Use of concrete surfaces should be at the discretion of the teacher (risk-assessed). |
7.0 Windy Weather and Action Taken
7.1 The Beaufort scale is a widely used empirical measure that relates wind speed to observed conditions at sea or on land. Staff will make judgments on wind using visual observation; if in doubt, they may refer to a real-time forecast.
| Beaufort scale rating | What does this look like? | Outdoor play during break time | Outdoor lessons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.1.1 — 9–11 (75 km/h+) Strong gales, storms and hurricanes | Minor to considerable structural damage to buildings, and trees may become uprooted. High-speed winds lead to general devastation. | • Suspended. | • Suspended. |
| 7.1.2 — 7–8 (50–74 km/h) Gale-force winds | Whole trees moving, with twigs breaking off. Difficulty walking or moving against the wind. | • Suspended. | • Suspended. |
| 7.1.3 — 4–6 (20–49 km/h) Breezy | Dust and loose paper are raised from the ground; small branches move, and large branches too as wind speed increases; whistling may be heard through wires and gaps. | • As normal, though teacher discretion should apply based on the activity at hand — i.e., throwing activities should be abandoned. | • As normal, though teacher discretion should apply based on the activity at hand — i.e., throwing events should be abandoned. |
| 7.1.4 — 1–3 (1–19 km/h) Gentle breeze | Smoke drift occurs and wind can be felt on the face; leaves rustle in trees and (light) flags extend. | • As normal. | • As normal. |
| 7.1.5 — 0 Calm | Smoke rises vertically. | • As normal. | • As normal. |
8.0 Signs of Weather-Related Illness
8.1 Hot weather
- 8.1.1 All teaching and nursing staff should be aware of signs indicating heat illness, including: muscle cramps; paleness or flushing; heavy sweating or a complete lack of sweating; skin that is cold or clammy to the touch; excessive tiredness; weakness; dizziness; headaches; nausea; vomiting; or fainting.
- 8.1.2 They should also be aware of respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, breathing complaints, or hyperventilation.
8.2 Poor air quality
- 8.2.1 All teaching and nursing staff should be aware of coughing, spluttering, inability to breathe effectively, and hyperventilating.
If in doubt, send students — or report yourself — to the School Nurse.
9.0 School Trips
9.1 On days where the temperature exceeds 40 °C / 104 °F, it is recommended that any scheduled field trips visit indoor, air-conditioned locations. Teachers should determine whether outdoor trips are safe if the temperature exceeds this benchmark. Transport should be air-conditioned, and the opportunity to hydrate must be factored into trip plans. Sunscreen, water bottles, and hats must be provided by parents for outdoor trips, and they are recommended for indoor trips involving some period outside. (See the Trips, Excursions & Residential Policy.)
10.0 Ramadan
10.1 Ramadan occurs at different points in the school year, and therefore when it coincides with high temperatures, special care must be taken to ensure the well-being of staff and students.
10.2 Fasting students are exempt from outdoor lessons, if they wish. Students who take part in lessons must do so with care, and should be monitored closely by staff.
10.3 During break times, when the temperature regularly exceeds 35 °C / 95 °F, the school will take action to ensure cool, quiet spaces are available for students to rest in.
11.0 References
(External links were carried over from the source policy and checked at adaptation time; they may move or expire — verify before relying on them. The source policy's citations of UK weather authorities have not been carried over; the Beaufort scale and precipitation definitions above are given generically.)
- Sun safety — World Health Organization (INTERSUN program):
- Air quality — US EPA air-quality guidelines: https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=aqibasics.aqi
- UV Index — US EPA sun-safety guidelines: https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/uv-index-scale-1
- Live indices used in this policy: https://uvindex.today/cities/manama-bh · https://aqicn.org/map/bahrain/