Sun Protection Policy
SUN PROTECTION POLICY
Too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun causes sunburn, skin damage
and increases the risk of skin cancer. Sun exposure in the first 15 years of life contribute
significantly to the lifetime risk of skin cancer.
At Playbox we want all staff and children to enjoy the sun safely. We will work with staff, parents, and carers to achieve this.
Education
Sun safety will be promoted through working with parents and staff, to improve our understanding and provision to avoid the harmful effects of too much exposure to UV.
– All children will be involved in a discussion, appropriate for their age and understanding, at
the start of summer about sun protection and the risks
– All staff will be educated in the importance of sun protection and the risks involved in not
protecting both themselves and others. Staff should always act as a positive role model and set a good example by seeking shade whenever possible, wearing appropriate clothing, and applying sunscreen
– Parents and carers will be informed about our policy
Protection
– The nursery outdoor area has shade provided with outdoor shelter
– Children will be encouraged to use the shaded areas during playtimes when appropriate
– Staff will make regular checks to ensure that equipment and toys used in the outside area are not too hot for children to use
Clothing
– The children will be encouraged to wear clothes that provide good sun protection (sun hats
etc)
– Parents/carers will be duly informed of the importance to ensure children are wearing the
appropriate clothing/headwear
– Children who do not have appropriate clothing will not be able to take part in outside activities
Access to water
– Children will be encouraged to increase their water intake in hot weather – Water will always be available to children throughout the day.
UV levels
A member of staff will monitor UV levels daily during the warmer months to ensure that appropriate sun safety measures are implemented when levels reach 3 or above.
Sunscreen
– Parents should apply sun cream to their child at home. Staff will assist the child in re-applying it during the day when necessary
– Parents are asked to give written permission for sun cream to be applied to their children.
– Playbox will not be able to provide any sun cream
– Parents are required to provide the nursery appropriate sun cream for their children.
– It is advisable that the sun cream is in date and be a minimum factor 30 with a 5-star UVA rating (this is usually visible on the bottle).
– Parents must provide a bottle of sun cream which must be clearly labelled with the child’s name on it.
The PMC considered the draft policies and they were approved subject to some minor amendments on 17th June 2025
This policy will be reviewed Biennially
Signed Chairperson: Jane Sharp
