Little Grove Primary School Sun Smart Policy

This policy applies to all school events on and off site.

Rationale

A balance of ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure is important for health. Too much of the sun’s UV can cause sunburn, skin and eye damage and skin cancer. Sun exposure in the first 10 years of life is a major factor in determining future skin cancer risk.

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.

Objectives

This Sun-Smart Policy has been developed to:

• Ensure all students and staff have some UV exposure for vitamin D.
• Encourage the entire school community to use a combination of sun protection measures whenever UV Index levels reach 3 and above.
• Work towards a safe school environment that provides shade for students, staff and the school community at appropriate times.
• Assist students to be responsible for their own sun protection.
• Ensure that families and new staff are informed of the school’s Sun-Smart policy.

Staff members are encouraged to access the Sun-Smart UV Alert at sunsmart.com.au to find out daily local sun protection times to assist with the implementation of this policy.

We use a combination of sun protection measures for all outdoor activities from September to the end of April and whenever UV levels reach 3 and above, the level that can damage skin and eyes.

1. Shade

• A shade audit is conducted regularly to determine the current availability and quality of shade.
• The school makes sure there is a sufficient number of shelters and trees providing shade in the school grounds particularly in areas where students congregate e.g. lunch, canteen, outdoor lesson areas and popular play areas.
• The availability of shade is considered when planning excursions and all other outdoor activities.
• In consultation with the school board, shade provision is considered in plans for future buildings and grounds.
• Students are encouraged to use available areas of shade when outside.
• Students who do not have appropriate hats or outdoor clothing are asked to play in the shade (undercover area).

2. Clothing

• Sun protective clothing is included in our school uniform / dress code and sports uniform. School clothing is cool, loose fitting and made of densely woven fabric. It includes shirts with collars and longer sleeves, longer style dresses and shorts and rash vests or t-shirts for outdoor swimming.

3. Hats

• All students and staff are required to wear hats that protect their face, neck and ears, i.e. legionnaire, broad brimmed or bucket hats, whenever they are outside all year round. Baseball or peak caps are not considered a suitable alternative.

4. Sunscreen

The school supplies SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen for staff and student's use.

• Sunscreen is applied at least 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every two hours if outdoors.
• Strategies are in place to remind students to apply sunscreen before going outdoors (e.g. reminder notices, sunscreen monitors, sunscreen buddies).
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• With parental consent, students with naturally very dark skin are not required to wear sunscreen to help with vitamin D requirements.

   

  Staff OHS and Role modelling

  As part of OHS UV risk controls and role-modelling, when the UV is 3 and above staff:

  • Wear sun protective hats, clothing and sunglasses when outside. All staff are required to wear a broad brimmed hat while on playground duty all year round.
  • Apply SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen when doing outside activities.
  • Seek shade whenever possible.

   

  Families and visitors are encouraged to use a combination of sun protection measures (sun protective clothing and hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and shade) when participating in and attending outdoor school activities.

   

  Curriculum

  • Programs on skin cancer prevention and vitamin D are included in the health curriculum for all year levels.
  • SunSmart behaviour is regularly reinforced and promoted to the whole school community through newsletters, school website, parent meetings, staff meetings, school assemblies, student weekly musters, student and teacher activities and on student enrolment.

   

  Review

  The school board and staff regularly monitor and review the effectiveness of the SunSmart policy (at least once every three years) and revise the policy when required.

   

  Next policy review:  2021