Introduction
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Research has indicated that young children and babies have sensitive skin that places them at particular risk of sunburn and skin damage.
Exposure during the first 15 years of life can greatly increase the risk of developing skin cancer in later life. Early childhood services play a major role in minimising a child’s UV exposure as children attend during times when UV radiation levels are highest.
Aim
Wellington Public School Preschool will follow best practice guidelines to protect children, family member’s educators and staff from the damaging effects of sun exposure. Our preschool will strive to be a SunSmart service.
Legislative Requirements
Education & Care Services National Law
Education & Care Services National Regulations 2011
Links to the National Quality Standard
Standard 2.3 - Each child is protected
Who is affected by this Procedure?
Families, children and staff members at Wellington Public School Preschool
Implementation
WPS Preschool’s sun protection strategies are:
Outdoor Activities
We will use a combination of sun protection measures whenever UV Index levels reach 3 and above. This will include:
· From October to March sun protection is required at all times. Extra sun protection is needed between 11am and 3pm and during this period outdoor activities should be minimised. Minimising outdoor activities includes reducing both the number of times (frequency) and the length of time (duration) children are outside.
· From April to September (excluding June and July) outdoor activity can take place at any time. However, from 10am–2pm sun protection is required.
· In June and July when the UV index is mostly below 3, sun protection is not required, but hats and sunscreen will still be provided for all children during outdoor play.
· Extra care is needed for all children who have very fair skin.
All sun protection measures (including recommended outdoor times, shade, hat, clothing and sunscreen) will be considered when planning excursions and activities.
Shade
All outdoor activities will be planned to occur in shaded areas. Play activities will be set up in the shade and moved throughout the day to take advantage of shade patterns. We will provide and maintain adequate shade for outdoor play. Shade options can include a combination of portable, natural and built shade. Regular shade assessments should be conducted monitor existing shade structures and assist in planning for additional shade.
Hats
Educators, staff and children are required to wear sun safe hats that protect their face, neck and ears. A sun safe hat is:
· Legionnaire hat
· Bucket hat with a deep crown and brim size of at least 5cm (adults 6cm)
· Broad brimmed hat with a brim size of at least 6cm (adults 7.5cm).
Please note: Baseball caps or visors do not provide enough sun protection and therefore are not recommended.
Children without a sun safe hat will be asked to play in an area protected from the sun (e.g. under shade, veranda or indoors) or can be provided with a spare hat.
Clothing
When outdoors, educators, staff and children will wear sun safe clothing that covers as much of the skin (especially the shoulders, back and stomach) as possible. This includes wearing:
· Loose fitting shirts and dresses with sleeves and collars or covered neckline
· Longer style skirts, shorts and trousers.
Children who are not wearing sun safe clothing can be provided with spare clothing.
Please note: Midriff, crop or singlet tops do not provide enough sun protection and therefore are not recommended.
Sunscreen
Parents/Guardians will apply sunscreen to all children on arrival at preschool and staff and children will apply SPF30+ broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen before going outdoors for afternoon play.
Sunscreen is stored in a cool, dry place and the use-by-date monitored.
Role Modelling
Educators and staff will act as role models and demonstrate sun safe behaviour by:
· Wearing a sun safe hat (see Hats above)
· Wearing sun safe clothing (see Clothing above)
· Applying SPF30+ broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen before going outdoors
· Using and promoting shade.
Families and visitors are encouraged to role model positive sun safe behaviour.
Education and Information
Sun protection will be incorporated regularly into learning programs.
Sun protection information will be promoted to all staff, families and visitors.
Educators will access further information from the Cancer Council website www.cancercouncil.com.au/sunsmart as needed.
Related Policies/Procedures
Child Safe Procedure
Excursion Procedure
Review
This procedure will be reviewed annually. Review will be conducted by School Principal, Preschool Staff, parents/carers and any interested parties.