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SUN SAFETY POLICY

 

Rationale:

At Carter’s Charity Primary School, we are committed to our duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and the number of cases is rising. The good news is that the majority of these cases could be prevented. Most skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. If we protect ourselves from the sun then we can reduce our risk. This is particularly important for children and young people whose skin is more delicate and easily damaged. Studies have found that sunburn during childhood can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. You may not see the damage immediately because skin cancer can take years to develop, but children who are over-exposed to the sun now are storing up problems for the future.

 

Purpose

The purpose of the sun safety policy is to provide:

An environment that enables pupils and staff to stay safe in the sun

A curriculum which includes sun safety, to increase knowledge and influence behaviour

Collaboration with parents, governors and the wider community to reinforce awareness about sun safety and promote a healthy school.

 

At Carter’s Charity Primary School, we acknowledge the importance of sun protection and want staff and pupils to enjoy the sun safely. We will work with staff, pupils and parents to achieve this through:

 

Education

• Sun protection is incorporated into the curriculum for all ages,
• All teachers and staff are made aware of this policy and the importance of sun protection within the school environment,
• Sun protection is actively promoted to pupils at significant points of the school year
• Parents are informed of the importance of sun protection through information sent home in newsletters and a letter informing them of the sun protection policy.

 

Protection:

SHADE

• The school playground has shade provided by the school building,
• Some shaded areas (near the trees) and outdoor gardens are available
• There are a variety of trees in the playground which provide shade at different times of the day.
• Children will be encouraged to use the shaded areas of the school during playtimes when appropriate.
• The availability of shade provision is considered when planning excursions and all outdoor activities.

 

TIMETABLING

• Our lunchtimes are 60 minutes in length, which includes eating in the dinner hall.
• This means that the children are outside for approx. 30 minutes over lunchtime,
• When outdoor activities and events take place on very hot days, we ensure hats, appropriate clothing and sunscreen are worn to minimise sunburn, and water bottles are taken outside
• During very hot weather, morning/ afternoon breaks and lunch breaks, pupils will be monitored to minimise risk of sunburn.

 

 

CLOTHING

• Pupils are encouraged to wear wide-brimmed, legionnaire style or other suitable hats when outside.
• Pupils always wear tops that cover their shoulders (vests and strappy tops are not allowed) as part of their school uniform and PE kit,
• Pupils are allowed to wear UV protective sunglasses on sunny days,
• Staff also wear suitable clothing and hats to reinforce sun safety.

 

SUNSCREEN

• Parents are encouraged and reminded to ensure that high factor/8 hour sun screen is applied to children before school on very hot days.
• Apply a high factor sun cream (at least SPF30) before school that can last many hours.
• Send some sun cream into school with your child to apply themselves at times during the day (staff are unable to apply this for your child) – please can the bottle be clearly named so we do not give the wrong one out. If the cream is not labelled we will not allow its use.
• Parents are requested to sign a consent form advising school that they have sent sunscreen into school for their child to apply it themselves in school when needed, under staff supervision.
• Encourage all children to apply their own sunscreen (supplied by home) before play and lunch times as necessary. Children are always encouraged to ‘rub’ sunscreen in themselves.
• PLEASE SEE NEXT PAGE FOR INFORMATION REGARDING NUT ALLERGY ISSUES

 

HYDRATION

• All children have access to a water bottle on a daily basis
• Children are allowed access to a water bottle in the classroom and are allowed to drink from it throughout the day
• Water is provided in the dinner hall at lunchtimes.

Sun Safety Policy – ADDENDUM

Some brands of sunscreen contain almond oil as it is used to moisturise the skin. The companies, primarily Nivea, claim that the oil is non-allergenic but we have had no official guidance yet from the local health team.   Products include: https://tinyurl.com/4m6wvxja    Products from other companies may also contain almond oil: https://tinyurl.com/54xbtbh6     I know that some families have bought Aldi’s own brand cream that is almond oil free: www.aldi.co.uk/lacura-suncream   As a number of children and adults in school have nut allergies, we ask that any product that contains almond oil is not sent into school until we have clearer guidance.