4.12            SUN SAFETY

 

DATED:                   January 2005

SOURCED:               Developing A Sun Protection Policy. Prepared by the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria, Australia.

 www.sunsmart.com.au/s/schools/sc_policy.htm

SOURCED:              Queensland Cancer Foundation 2005

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POLICY

 

Carers and Coordinators within Bayside Family Day Care will implement the Sun Safety Policy to protect themselves and especially the children in care from the harmful rays of the sun.

 

PROCEDURE

 

·                     Carers will provide shaded areas in their homes, for children to play

 

·                     Carers and Coordinators will role-model sun safety behaviours

 

·                     Children under one year of age will be protected from direct sunlight by the use of shade, stroller bonnets, awnings, etc.

 

·                     Outdoor activities, whenever possible, will be planned outside peak UV (in most cases 10 am - 3 pm), especially in the hotter months of the year

 

·                     Outdoor activities wherever possible will occur in areas shaded by trees, awnings, building, etc.

  •         The scheme will provide sun safety information to families enrolling children in care

 

·                     Staff and Carers will be sensitive to the religious and cultural differences in relation to the child’s clothing and family preferences

 

·                     Where appropriate, families will be asked to provide the following items for their children attending care:

 

o                                            Hat, preferable wide brimmed

o                                            Sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher that offers UVA and UVB protection (which they have already tested on the child’s skin for adverse reactions). To be applied each day before the child arrives in care

o                                            Long sleeve shirts and long pants (or at least knee length shorts), made from fabrics that are tightly woven

o                                            Sunglasses are also recommended where appropriate

 

·                     Carers will ensure that appropriate clothing and sun protection products as discussed and agreed upon with the family, will use them in a consistent and proper manner

 

·                     Carers will make available hats and sunscreen where they have not been supplied

 

·                     Hats and sunscreen will be worn during outside activities. Sunscreen will be applied at least 30 minutes before going outside

 

·                     Carers will follow the instructions on the sunscreen container for the age of the child.