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In this procedure, words in italic text are defined terms which have the specific meanings set out in Gowrie Victoria Policies and Procedures – Definitions and Abbreviations.
Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to set out measures to be taken to protect children and staff members, volunteers, students on placement and contractors/labour hire employees from the harmful effects of UV radiation from the sun while at the service or on excursions.
Scope
This procedure applies to all staff members, volunteers, students on placement and contractors/labour hire employees of Gowrie Victoria. This includes learning and events on and off site.
Procedure Statement
Gowrie Victoria recognises the value of outdoor learning in a sun safe way.
Protection from the sun can be provided by:
- shading in outdoor environment
- ensuring sun protection measures are promoted and utilised
- encouraging and supporting children to develop independent sun protection skills
- providing learning opportunities for children, staff and families
Early learning manager’s responsibilities
Shade
The early learning manager must ensure that:
- outdoor spaces at the service include adequate shaded areas particularly in high use area
- shade awnings are kept in repair and renewed as required
Sunscreen provided by the service
The early learning manager must ensure that:
- sunscreen provided for children and staff members by the service is labelled broad- spectrum, water-resistant and SPF50 or above and the expiry date is monitored.
Sun protection times
- monitor the daily sun protection times for your location
When sun protection measures apply
Early years leaders and educators must follow the sun protection measures set out in this procedure whenever children are taken outside if UV levels for the relevant time of day are forecast to reach 3 or higher.
Sun protection measures
When sun protection measures are applicable early years leaders and educators must ensure that they and all children at the service follow sun protection measures as set out in this procedure.
1. Seek shade
Outdoor activities should take place in shaded areas. Early years leaders and educators should encourage children to stay in the shade and avoid direct sun. Early years leaders and educators should also avoid direct sun. Children who do not have an appropriate hat or outdoor clothing are asked to choose a shady space or suitable area protected from the sun.
2. Wear protective clothing
Children and staff members are strongly encouraged to wear loose-fitting clothing that covers as much of the skin as possible. Children should wear tops with elbow-length or full-length sleeves, higher necklines or collars, and knee-length or longer style shorts and skirts.
Clothing should be made from densely woven fabrics and have a UPF rating of 50 or 50+.
Early years leaders and educators should ask a child who is wearing a singlet top or shoestring dress to choose a t-shirt/ shirt to wear over this before going outdoors.
3. Wear a hat
Children and staff members should wear hats that protect their face, neck and ears such as a wide brimmed, bucket or legionnaire hat. Peak caps and visors are not considered a suitable alternative. Children without a sun protective hat are provided with a spare hat where possible.
4. Use sunscreen
SPF50+ water resistant sunscreen is supplied by the service and/or families.
Sunscreen should be SPF50 or higher, broad-spectrum and water-resistant. Sunscreen is to be applied at least 20 minutes before going outdoors and be reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if children or staff members are sweating or engaged in water activities.
Where children have allergies or sensitivities to sunscreen, parents are asked to provide an alternative sunscreen or children are encouraged to play in the shade.
Families are responsible for applying sunscreen to their children before arrival at a service from mid-August to the end of April.
The UV level and times will be on display at each service.
Special considerations
Babies under 12 months old
All babies under 12 months old are kept out of direct sun when UV levels are 3 or higher. We acknowledge that the best sun protection can be achieved when a combination of physical sun protection measures such as shade, clothing and hats are used. For those small areas of exposed skin not protected by clothing or hats, we apply approved sunscreen to infants six months and older. The widespread use of sunscreen on babies under 6 months old is not recommended.
Children Resting and Sleeping Outdoors
If children choose to rest and sleep outdoors, then they must be in areas which are fully protected by shade.
Modelling and education
Early years leaders and educators should:
- model sun protection procedures for children
- sun protection is incorporated into the learning a development program
- practice taking sun-protection measures to develop independent sun protection skills
Communications with families
The early learning manager must ensure that families are given regular reminders about the need to protect children from the sun in enrolment information, newsletters and other communications channels.
Early years leaders and educators should also discuss sun protection measures with families when opportunities arise.
Authorisation
Approved by the Executive Manager, Early Learning
| Name | Nicole Pilsworth |
| Signature |  |
| Date | 30/07/2024 |
References
NQS Quality Area QA2 Children health and safety
Procedure Status Mandatory
Parent Policy Safe Environment Policy