The Sun smart Policy has been developed to ensure that all children attending Swinburne Children’s Centre are protected from the harmful rays of the sun. It will be implemented throughout the year, but in particular during the hotter months.
1. The centre requires all children to wear hats, which protect the face, neck, and ears whenever they are outside. (legionnaire, broad-brimmed or bucket hats)
2. Children who do not have hats with them will be asked to play in an area protected from the sun or indoors.
3. Children will be encouraged to use available areas of shade for outdoor play activities.
4. The Executive committee will ensure there are sufficient number of shelters and trees providing shade in the centre grounds.
5. Outdoors activities will be scheduled before 11 am and after 3pm at all times during daylight saving time. (10am and 2pm at other times) to minimise time spent in direct sunlight during these hours
6. Staff will act as role models by:
a. Wearing appropriate hats and clothing outdoors.
b. Using a 30+ sunscreen for skin protection.
c. Seeking shade whenever possible.
7. SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen will be provided for all staff and children’s use.
8. All parents are responsible for applying SPF 30+ to their child, during the summer months and daylight saving months. This must be applied 20 minutes before attending the centre. Sunscreen will then be re-applied every two hours whilst children are in the sun.
9. Teaching about skin and ways to protect skin from the sun will be incorporated into the curriculum and programmed activities.
10. The Sun smart policy will be reinforced in a positive way through parent newsletters, notice boards and meetings.
11. Staff and parents will be provided with educational material on sun protection.
12. Activities are to be set up under shade.
13. Management will review the sun smart policy on an annual basis and revise the policy as required.
1. Informed of the Sun smart policy.
2. Asked to provide a suitable hat for their child’s use.
3. Asked to provide a labelled container of SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen for their child’s use, where a skin allergy occurs.
4. Required to give authority for staff to administer sunscreen and parents will be notified that their child will be encouraged to use their self-help skills in applying sunscreen to themselves under staff supervision.
