sun smart policy
policy
In this section
This Sun Smart policy aims to ensure that all children attending Richmond Creche and Kindergarten are protected from skin damage caused by the harmful rays of the sun. It is to be implemented throughout the year, but with particular emphasis from September through to April,
4.5.1 General Sun Smart strategies
- The Centre will require parents/carers supply their children with hats and appropriate clothing that protect their face, neck, ears and shoulders i.e. legionnaire or broad-brimmed hats, shirts and dresses that cover the shoulders, shirts with collars and elbow- length sleeves, longer style shorts and skirts.
- Children are to wear hats whenever they are outside. Children who do not have their hats with them will be provided with a loan hat, however the number of hats that the centre has is limited. If one is not available then the child/ren will need to stay inside or under shade. The centre has legionnaire and broad-brimmed hats for sale.
- If a child regularly does not bring a hat to creche, then the centre will purchase a RCK hat on your behalf and the cost will be added onto your next account.
- SPF30+*, broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen will be provided for staff and children's use.
- From September through to April, parents/carers should ensure children have sunscreen applied prior to arrival at the Centre. If sunscreen has not been applied, the parent/carer must inform Centre staff on arrival.
- Children will be encouraged to use available areas of shade for outdoor play activity.
- The management committee will ensure there is a sufficient number of shelters and trees providing shade in the Centre grounds.
- Excursions and other outdoor activities will be scheduled before 11am and after 3pm, daylight saving time (10am - 2pm at other times) whenever possible. The availability of shade will be considered when planning excursions and outdoor activities.
- Staff will act as role models by:
- Wearing appropriate hats and clothing outdoors
- Using SPF30+* sunscreen for skin protection
- Seeking shade whenever possible
- Learning about skin and ways to protect skin from the sun will be incorporated into programmed activities. The sun care policy will be reinforced in a positive way through parent newsletters, noticeboards and meeting.
- Staff and parents will be provided with educational material on sun protection.
- Routines may change to meet the needs of children.
4.5.2 Parent/Carer Information on enrolment
- Informed of the sun care policy both verbally and via the parent's handbook.
- Asked to provide a suitable hat and clothing for their child's use.
- Asked to supply sunscreen for their child where specific brands are preferred or allergies are present.
- Required to provide authority and directive for staff to administer sunscreen.
- Encouraged to practice sunsmart behaviors /strategies themselves as a role model for their child.
- While a sunscreen of SPF30+ is preferable, any sunscreen over SPF15+ is acceptable. If a child is sensitive to a particular sunscreen, we suggest trying a different brand.
Quicklinks
Download full parent's handbook (PDF, 1.2mb)