Play schools across the city are taking preventive measures to protect children from heat strokes at a time when the scorching sun is becoming a major cause of concern for residents.

Most school administrations have stopped outdoor games and replaced them with different forms of indoor activities. The teachers have also ensured that toddlers do not have access to cold drinks and included flavoured glucose in their diet chart.

Kangaroo Kids, a play school in Kankerbagh, ensures that the children stay inside the fully air-conditioned rooms to keep them in good health.

The principal of the institution, Archana Agarwal, said: “We ensure that the school vehicles have water bottles. We regularly instruct the kids to have lots of water, which would help cool their body,” she said. They have also requested the parents to keep the children away from crowd and direct sunlight.

The administration of Shanti Juniors on Frazer Road, switches off the air-conditioners of the school 35 minutes before the children get in contact with direct sunlight to reduce the risk of heat stroke.

The principal of the institute, Namrata Choudhary, said: “We have added fruits like watermelon, mangoes and cucumber in the diet chart of the kids. These will help them retain water in their bodies.”

She has instructed the parents to carry shades and umbrellas for the kids. “I have asked the parents to carry wide-brimmed hats and make them wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes,” Choudhary said.

The instructions have been passed on through the school diary. “To make sure that parents follow the guidelines, I keep interacting with the kids,” Choudhary said. Sujata Singh, parent of a three-year-old studying at Kidzee School on Exhibition Road, has been instructed to carry a water bottle. “I have been asked to make sure that my child drinks water every 15 to 20 minutes while exercising, even if she doesn’t feel thirsty,” she said.

Paramjeet Kaur, principal of Kidzee, said: “We ensure that all the outdoor activities are replaced with indoor ones. We have included activities like musical chair, creative classes, drawing classes and dance classes in our course.”

Unlike other play schools, Paramjeet avoids the use of air-conditioners at the institution during summers. “Air-conditioners have adverse effect on children’s health. Instead, we keep the windows closed and pull off the curtains. We even use indoor plants to keep the classrooms cool,” added Kaur.

The authorities of Kidzee have increased the frequency of breaks during the classes. “I have instructed parents to switch off their air-conditioners when their children are playing as they keep flitting in and out of the room. This increases the chances of heat stroke,” Paramjeet said.

“A play school should limit the outdoor activities, as exposure to sunlight affects children. Toddlers should be encouraged to take plenty of liquids like milk or water. Carbonated drinks should be completely restricted,” paediatric Arun Thakur said.