Sun protection
Sun protection is an important part of Australian life. This page explains family and educator responsibilities when providing appropriate sun protection at kindergarten.
The service recognises the importance of providing a healthy balance between too much and too little ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun to promote good health for staff and children. Too much of the sun’s UV can cause sunburn, skin cancer, skin and eye damage and too little UV from the sun can lead to low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and muscles and for general health.
To ensure that a healthy balance between too much and too little UV is maintained, sun protection will be used during the daily sun protection times issued whenever the UV level reaches 3 or above.
Sunscreen
Parent/guardian authorisation is required for children to have sunscreen applied whilst at the service, with the authorisation included in the child’s enrolment form.
Sunscreen is applied to children’s exposed skin (except in cases where parents/guardians have not given authorisation) in accordance with the manufactures guidelines and reapplied after their face has been washed if they are going outside. Where appropriate, children will be encouraged to apply their own sunscreen under the supervision of an educator.
Clothing
Families are encouraged where possible to provide their children with loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible and to choose tops with elbow-length sleeves, higher necklines (or collars) and knee-length or longer style shorts and skirts. Clothing made from cool, densely woven fabric is recommended. If a child is wearing a singlet top or shoestring dress, they will be asked to choose a t-shirt/shirt to wear over this before going outdoors.
Educators and children are encouraged to wear hats that protect their face, neck and ears that meet Cancer Council Australia recommendations, for example, wide-brimmed bucket or legionnaire style hats. Baseball or peak caps are not considered a suitable alternative. Family’s cultural respects for their child not to wear a hat, will be supported by educators and documented on the child’s enrolment form.
Further sun-safe information can be found at: