32. Sun Care Policy

32. Sun Care Policy

Bonnington House Nursery is committed to ensuring that all children are fully protected from the dangers of sun exposure. Severe sunburn in childhood can lead to the development of malignant melanoma (the most dangerous type of skin cancer) in later life.

We use the following procedures to keep children safe and healthy in the sun:

· Children must have a clearly labeled sun hat which will be worn at all times whilst outside in sunny weather. This hat will preferably be of legionaries design (i.e. with an extended back and side to shield children’s neck and ears from sun) to provide additional protection

· The nursery will provide a high factor sun cream suitable for most children’s skin, unless parents wish to provide their own sun cream for allergies or sensitive skin. Parents must sign the attached written consent form for staff to apply sun cream

· Children need light-weight cotton clothing suitable for the sun, with long sleeves and long legs if prone to sunburn

· Children’s safety outside in the sun is the nursery’s prime objective so staff will work closely with parents to ensure all appropriate cream and clothing is provided

· Children will not be out in the sun between 12.00 pm – 2:00 pm on hot days

· Children will always have sun cream applied before going outside in the sun and at frequent intervals during the day

· Staff will apply suncream to children and wash their hands after each administration or staff will wear gloves that will be changed after each child

· Children are offered cooled water more frequently throughout sunny or warm days

· Children are made aware of the need for sun hats, sun cream and the need to drink more fluids during their time in the sun

· Staff will make day-to-day decisions about the length of time spent outside dependant on the strength of the sun

· Shade will be provided in the form of a canopy, gazebo or trees to ensure children are able to cool down or escape the sun should they wish or need to

· Parents of children with Asian and black skin colouring should be aware that these skin types can be very tolerant to sunshine. However, it is important to remember that burning can still occur.

Internal use only

This policy was previously reviewed on / 04.08.2014
This policy was previously reviewed on / 17.08.15
This policy was reviewed on / 22.08.2016
Signed on behalf of the nursery / Elizabeth Merritt
Date disseminated to staff / 14.09.2016
Date for review / 22.08.2017

4. Application of sun cream

*I give my permission for my child ______to have nursery suncream applied to their skin.

* I would prefer to provide my child ______with their own suncream

(please tick your choice and sign below)

Signed …………………………..………Relationship to Child ………………..…………..

Print Name:

Primary carer/ parental responsibility/ other ………………………………

Bonnington House Nursery School Ltd. Company Registration No. SC507692

Trading as “Bonnington House Nursery” 159 Newhaven Road, Edinburgh, EH6 4QA

Tel. 0131 555 4140