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AIM
To protect children using Bega Valley Family Daycare from the adverse effects of exposure to the sun.
RATIONALE
Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world and sun exposure during childhood significantly increases the risk of developingskin cancer and melanoma. Carers can play a vital role in the long-term prevention of skin cancer and in teaching healthy sun habits to young children, and preventing and reducing the risks from excess sun exposure while children are in their care.
STRATEGIES
To protect children from the adverse effects of sun exposure –
Co-ordination unit staff and carers will:
• Role model sun protection behaviour by also wearing sun protection clothing, hats and SPF 30+ sunscreen when outdoors or on outdoor excursions.
• Ensure that the following sun safety procedures are adhered to.
Carers should:
• Be aware that sun safety precautions need to be taken all year, not only on hot days, but also on cloudy days, in winter and even when children are playing in the shade - harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can reflect on children from buildings, water, grass, concrete and sand.
• Ensure that all children in care wear hats, sunscreen and protective clothing when exposed to the sun.
• Babies and infants who are not mobile should be well protected from UVR by clothes, hats and shade.
• Be aware that peak sun exposure (UVR) times are between 11am-3pm during daylight saving time (late October to late March), and between 10am-2pm the rest of the year. If children are engaged in outdoor activities during these times all sun safety precautions need to be followed and activities should be focused in shaded areas.
• Ensure families supply and all children wear, appropriate sun protection clothing such as longer sleeved shirts, longer shorts, wide brimmed hats and sun protection factor (SPF) 30+ sunscreen when playing outdoors or on outdoor excursions.
• Ensure that written permission from families is obtained if carer provides sunscreen.
• Apply sunscreen in the amount according to the instructions on the bottle.
• Be aware that sunscreen should be applied to clean, dry skin, 20 minutes before children going outside and should be reapplied every 2 hours if children return to play outdoors.
• Adequate shade should be provided in outdoor play areas.
REQUIREMENTS OF REGULATIONS AND OTHER STANDARDS
NSW Health Regulations and Guidelines, 2003. Children’s Services Regulation 2004.
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 and Regulations 2001 (NSW)
KEY RESOURCES
Cancer Council NSW: www.cancercouncil.com.au; Keeping our Children Safe: SunSmart Policy and Information for Child Care Services: Shade
for Child Care Services, The Cancer Council NSW, 1999; A Guide to Implementing Best Practice in Sun protection in Children’s Services, The
Cancer Council NSW and NSW Department of Health, 2003
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