Agreed and Adopted by Committee
Date
Sun Safety
Policy
Chair
Policy Statement
This policy is adopted to ensure that all children attending Buckland Brewer Under Fives Pre-school
are protected from skin damage caused by the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. This policy will be
implemented throughout the year, but with particular emphasis in the warmer months.
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. Most skin cancers are caused by UV
radiation from the sun; therefore, if we protect ourselves from the sun we can reduce the risks.
Children and young people’s skin is more delicate and can easily be damaged.
Sunburn in childhood can double the risk of skin cancer. Damage to the skin cannot be seen
immediately, because skin cancer can take years to develop. Although fair skinned people are more
at risk from sun damage, sun protection is relevant to both fair and dark skinned children.
Procedure
Parents/Carers Responsibilities
We ask that;

On warm, sunny days you apply sun cream to your child/children before coming to nursery,
especially in the hot summer months.

You would sign an agreement form giving permission to the nursery staff to apply
“emergency sun cream” on any occasion when a parent has forgotten to do this prior to
coming to pre-school or when we need to “top up” sun cream throughout the day.

Please bring sun cream each day your child is coming to pre-school and that it is clearly
named. (We ask for sun safety, this is a minimum of factor 30+ and waterproof if possible)

You send your child/children in clothes that cover their shoulders.

You provide a sun hat for your child/children to wear whilst at pre-school and that this is
clearly named.
Skin Protection Strategies
The Nursery and staff responsibilities are as follows:

Ensure that shaded areas are provided in the gardens/outside areas and that children are
encouraged to play in these areas.
To ensure all children have a sufficient application of sun cream on before going outdoors and
continue applications at appropriate times throughout the day e.g. after water play.
To ensure children wear hats which protect their face, neck and ears. (we will ensure we have a
supply of spare hats for children who have not brought their own)
On very hot days we will ensure wherever possible we avoid taking the children outside during the
hours of 11am-3pm, when the sun is at its most harmful.
That children's free access to drinking water is encouraged more often during
hot sunny days and that the babies are kept hydrated also.
To act as role models by:

To remind children about sun safety and ways to protect their skin.

To ensure all children have a sufficient application of sun cream on before going
outdoors and continue applications at appropriate times throughout the day e.g. after
water play.

To ensure children wear hats which protect their face, neck and ears. (we will ensure
we have a supply of spare hats for children who have not brought their own)

On very hot days we will ensure wherever possible we avoid taking the children
outside during the hours of 11am-3pm, when the sun is at its most harmful.

That children's free access to drinking water is encouraged more often during hot
sunny days and that the babies are kept hydrated also.
To act as role models by:

Wearing appropriate clothing outdoors.

Also applying a sun cream for skin protection.

Seek shade wherever possible
Reviewed 07/13