Playschool Kindergarten Sun Smart Policy
NQS
QA2
2.1.1
Children’s health needs are supported
2.3.2
Every reasonable precaution is taken to protect children from harm and a hazard likely to cause
injury.
National Regulations
Regs
114, 168
Sun exposure
Aim
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all children attending our centre are protected from skin
damage caused by the harmful ultra violet rays of the sun throughout the year.
Related Policies
Staffing Arrangement Policy
Death of a Child Policy
Medical Conditions Policy
Physical Environment Policy
Sleep, rest, relaxation and clothing Policy
Implementation
The Service
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The service will adopt the policy “No hat, no play in the sun”
Parents will be informed on this policy upon enrolment and be notified on sun care/clothing
requirements via Parent Handbook, and newsletters eg. hats, sunscreen, and appropriate
clothing.
Parents will be required to sign a sunscreen application permission form on enrolment at the
centre.
The service will have sunscreen reminder notices, for parents to apply to their child before
or on arrival. They are asked to stamp their child’s hand once sunscreen has been applied, to
let educators know they have done so.
The Children
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Children are required to wear legionnaire hats which protect the face, neck, and ears when
outside. These are provided by the service .
Children NOT wearing hats will play in shaded areas.
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Children will only be permitted to wear their own hats. (Provided by the centre) We do
NOT Supply spare hats.
Sunscreen will be applied to all children 20 mins prior to each outdoor play session.
(Children will apply sunscreen to themselves, if needed educators will assist by using a tissue
or glove. Children arriving after going outside will be asked to play in the shade if their
sunscreen has just been applied.
The Program
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Outdoor activities will be held in shaded areas wherever possible.
Outdoor activities are programmed in the morning and afternoon (before 10am and after
3pm), avoiding the strong midday sun.
Sun and skin protection awareness is incorporated within the class programs via transitions,
discussion, and set activities.
Educators
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Educators will be expected to role model and practice skin protective behaviour such as
wearing protective hats, wrap around sunglasses and sunscreen.
Children will be directed to use shaded areas where possible.
Educators will encourage parents to practice skin protective behaviour themselves as
positive role models for children.
SUNSMART CLOTHING
The service strongly advocates a sun smart dress code. Articles such as singlets, sleeveless
sundresses, and clothing exposing neck, arms, and torso are not recommended as it exposes the
children to sunburn and skin cancer risk. The centre’s educators will apply 30+ sunscreen to all
children throughout the year, irrespective of clothing worn and weather conditions.
Sources
Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011
Early Years Learning Framework
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2001
Sunsmart Queensland
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Review
The policy will be reviewed annually.
The review will be conducted by:
 Management
 Employees
 Families
 Interested Parties
Last reviewed: August 2013
Date for next review: August 2014
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