Use of Sunscreen Procedure

We believe in promoting Sun Safety to ensure that children and staff are protected from skin damage caused by the harmful ultra-violet rays in sunlight.

As part of our procedures we will:

• Educate children throughout the curriculum about the causes of skin cancer and how to protect their skin;
• Encourage children to wear clothes that provide good sun protection, and use sunscreens where appropriate;
• Seek shade, particularly in the middle of the day and to use shady areas during breaks, lunchtimes, sports and trips;
• Encourage staff and parents to act as good role models by practising sun safety;
• Regularly remind children, staff and parents about sun safety through newsletters, posters and activities for children;
• Drink plenty of water during hot, sunny weather;
• Make sure the Use of Sun Screens Procedure is working;
• We will regularly monitor our curriculum, assess shade provision, and review the sun safety behaviour of children and staff (use of hats, shade, etc.).

Procedures

We wish to encourage children to protect themselves from the sun.  One way of doing this is to use sunscreen at the appropriate time.    If a child is to use sunscreen on site, parents are asked to:

1. Provide the sunscreen product for use.  The sunscreen must be:

a) Clearly marked with the child’s name.

b) Replenished by the parent as needed.

2. The sunscreen product will be stored in the child’s bag, drawer or other location designated by the site.
3. The child must be able to apply his or her own sunscreen (except Nursery and Reception children).
4. For Nursery and Reception parents:  They are asked to apply sunscreen at home before a typical day, this will be reapplied as necessary by staff.  

If it is considered necessary for staff to assist with the application of sunscreen, the sunscreen will only be applied to face, neck, arms, hands and lower legs.  Parents are asked to provide written instruction to staff for their child’s individual needs