Sun safety

We are Sun Protection Accredited to the Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code and ensure the following policy is adhered to from April to October (from the start of the summer term to the October half term).

Skin cancer is the world’s most common cancer, mainly affecting those who spend lots of time outdoors without sun protection. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood doubles the risk of melanoma (the most dangerous form of skin cancer). We aim to do all we can to keep children and staff protected.

Between April to October, we all need to be aware of the risks of UV light. Please work with us to ensure all children attending sessions understand the importance of sun protection and support us in carrying out the following actions:

We pledge to:

1.      PREPARE: Communicate with parents to ensure that everyone arrives ready for a day in the sun with sun cream of SPF30+ already applied (whatever the weather in the morning), preschool sun cream will be available at the gate in case parents forget, they will be expected to apply it on their own child before coming in. If your child cannot use the generic sun cream supplied by preschool please provide your own and hand a named bottle to a member of staff

2.      PROTECT: Recommend hats and sunglasses (where possible) and ensure sunscreen (SPF30+) reapplied at lunchtime

3.      SHADE: Offer lots of shaded space at preschool, children will eat lunch in the shade and be encouraged to seek the shade on sunny days, a gazebo will be added to the sand pit area

4.      HYDRATE: Ensure water is always available and encouraged to be sipped throughout the day

5.      LEAD BY EXAMPLE: Act as role models regarding sun protection and inspire children to follow suit

 

Why are our children at risk?

Young skin is especially vulnerable to UV exposure and with sunburn during childhood strongly associated with an increased risk of skin cancer in later life, it is vital to create good sun protection habits early on.

‘With skin cancer now at epidemic levels, our aim is to help keep outdoor loving children safe, protecting their skin today for a healthier ‘outdoor life’ tomorrow.’ Melanoma Fund

 Procedure:

  • Keep children out of prolonged sunshine between 11am-3pm

  • Encourage play in the shade

  • Children should wear sun hats and have them in setting April to October

  • Spare sun hats (a limited number) are available and we have legionnaire hats for sale

  • Children should come with sunscreen of SPF30+ applied every day of the summer term and first half of the autumn term

  • Preschool top up sun cream at lunchtime with preschool’s bottle or the child’s own if supplied by the parent

  • Staff are trained where to apply sun cream not forgetting the important parts – back of the neck and ears and children are encouraged to do it themselves if deemed able

  • Preschool provides sun cream for those without

  • Children are welcome to wear sunglasses on the sunniest days - look out for a CE mark on the glasses to ensure that they are offering sufficient UV protection

  • Staff should lead by example and wear sun cream and a hat in the summer term

We understand that some of our children who may have special needs make have difficulty in keeping on hats or having sun cream applied, it can also sometimes be tricky to keep them out of the sun, therefore short bursts out in the sun, replacing of hats on heads and keeping children indoors to avoid direct sunlight may be needed.

For those parents that refuse the use of sun cream, whether their own or ours, they are asked to sign a disclaimer regarding potential sun damage to their children’s skin.

They will be encouraged to provide long sleeved tops and trousers in light loose material and should bring a hat for their child to wear. While staff will do all they can to encourage children to play in the shade, and much shade is provided at preschool, there are many children in a session and staff cannot be held responsible for keeping a child without sun cream out of the sun.

If a staff member thinks a child is getting too hot in the sun they will ask them to move to the shade and rehydrate with water. If they have cause for concern for the child’s skin getting too hot a cool wet flannel can be placed over the skin and the parent called if necessary. All staff are paediatric First Aid trained and understand how to care for children suffering from the adverse effects of heat.

June 24