Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of young children is a top priority in any nursery setting. As we know, the sun’s rays can be both a source of joy and potential harm, particularly for children with delicate skin – even in the colder months. That’s why implementing a comprehensive sun protection policy is crucial for Early Years settings. This blog provides advice on sun safety for nurseries and offers practical tips for nursery staff to communicate effectively with parents about their child’s sun protection and overall wellbeing, all year round.
Understanding Sun Safety in Early Years
Children in the Early Years are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Their skin is thinner and more sensitive, making it more susceptible to sunburn and long-term damage. For nurseries, this means implementing robust measures to ensure children’s safety while they enjoy outdoor activities.
The Importance of a Sun Protection Policy
A sun protection policy is an essential document for nurseries. It outlines the procedures and practices that the setting follows to protect children from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
A sun protection policy should cover:
- Outdoor Play Guidelines
- Clothing Requirements
- Shade Provision
- Hydration
- Your Suncream Policy
Key Components of a Sun Protection Policy
A robust sun protection policy for Early Years settings should cover several critical areas:
1. Outdoor Play Guidelines
Set specific times for outdoor play, preferably before 11 AM and after 3 PM, when UV radiation is less intense.
2. Clothing Requirements
Encourage parents to dress their children in sun-safe clothing, including:
- Wide-brimmed hats that cover the face, neck, and ears.
- Long-sleeved shirts and long pants made from tightly woven fabrics.
- Sunglasses with UV protection to shield their eyes.
3. Shade Provision
Ensure that there are shaded areas available where children can play, such as under trees, umbrellas, or purpose-built shade structures, reducing direct exposure to the sun.
4. Hydration
Keep children well-hydrated by providing regular drinks of water, especially during outdoor play in hot weather.
5. Suncream Policy
A sun cream policy is another critical aspect of sun safety in Early Years settings. This policy should include:
- Parental Consent: Written consent from parents or guardians for applying sun cream. This consent form should specify any allergies or skin sensitivities.
- Sun Cream Application: Guidelines for when and how often sun cream should be applied. Ideally, children should have sun cream applied 20 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours or after water play.
- Sun Cream Selection: Recommend the use of broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, water-resistant sun cream. You can either request parents to provide labelled sun cream or supply it yourself.
If supplying suncream yourself, you should be aware of all skin allergies and sensitivities when picking a suncream. It may be necessary to ask parents of children with skin allergies or sensitivities to provide specific suncream suitable for their child.
Effective Communication with Parents
Effective communication is key to ensuring that parents are informed and involved in their child’s sun safety. Here are some strategies for nursery staff to stay connected to parents:
- Regular Updates: Use digital platforms, such as nursery management software, to send regular updates to parents. These updates can include reminders about sun safety practices, such as the importance of applying sun cream before arriving at the nursery.
- Daily Feedback: Include information about sun protection in the daily reports sent to parents via your nursery parent engagement app. Mention if sun cream was reapplied, if the child played in shaded areas, and any other relevant details about their sun exposure and hydration.
- Educational Resources: Share resources and tips on sun safety, emphasising the importance of protection at home as well. This can include brochures, posters, or links to reputable websites that offer sun safety tips and guidelines.
- Parent Meetings: Organise parent meetings to discuss the nursery’s sun protection policy and answer any questions. This is also an opportunity to demonstrate how sun cream should be applied and to explain the importance of protective clothing.
Practical Tips for Nursery Staff
Incorporating sun safety into the daily routines of the nursery is a great way to not only manage your responsibilities but also teach children about being safe in the sun. Here are some ways you can do this:
1. Role-Modelling
Model good sun safety behaviour by wearing hats, sunglasses, and sun cream. This sets a positive example for the children.
2. Interactive Activities
Engage children in fun, interactive activities that teach them about sun safety. This can include stories, songs, and crafts related to the sun and how to stay safe.
3. Routine Checks
Make sun protection a part of the routine checks throughout the day. Ensure that sun cream is reapplied, that children are drinking enough water, and that they’re playing in shaded areas.
4. Sun Safety Drills
Conduct sun safety drills to practise seeking shade and applying sun cream, similar to fire drills. This helps children understand the importance of these practices and reinforces the routines.
Here are some extra top tips for managing sun safety during the day:
- Monitor UV Levels: Keep an eye on the UV index, adjusting outdoor activities accordingly. Many weather apps provide this information.
- Hydration: Ensure children have access to water throughout the day, as hydration is crucial in warm weather.
Prioritise Sun Safety When It Matters Most
Sun safety is a vital consideration in Early Years settings. By implementing comprehensive sun protection and sun cream policies, nurseries can create a safe environment for children to enjoy the outdoors. Clear communication with parents ensures that everyone is on the same page, promoting a cooperative effort to protect young children from the sun’s harmful rays.
Nurseries have a unique opportunity to instil lifelong sun safety habits in young children, paving the way for healthier futures. Let’s embrace this responsibility and make sun safety a priority in our Early Years settings.
