Sample SunSmart policy for early childhood
-139065-612141Sample SunSmart policy & procedures for early childhood0Sample SunSmart policy & procedures for early childhoodWhen used in its entirety, this document ensures your service is following current evidence-informed Cancer Council sun protection guidelines and recommendations. Any changes or adjustments may mean it no longer meets SunSmart guidelines. Please make sure sun protection is used during the daily sun protection times or whenever UV levels are 3 or higher. If you can’t check the daily sun protection times, please use sun protection from mid- August to the end of April (when Victoria’s UV levels are typically three and above). Please note: Implementation only in Terms 1 and 4 is insufficient to protect against UV.<SERVICE NAME>’s SunSmart / sun protection policy & procedures Policy statementOur service recognises the value of outdoor play and learning in a sun safe way. We are committed to ensuring all children, educators and staff are protected from ultraviolet (UV) radiation for all outdoor activities. This includes;providing shade in the outdoor environment,ensuring all sun protection measures are promoted and utilised,encouraging and supporting children to develop independent sun protection skills, andproviding learning opportunities for children, staff and families.BackgroundThe sun’s UV can’t be seen or felt. Whatever the weather, it’s important for people of all skin types to use sun protection whenever UV levels are three or higher.Too much of the sun’s UV can cause sunburn, skin and eye damage and skin cancer. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. More than two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. Infants and toddlers up to four years of age are particularly vulnerable to UV damage due to lower levels of melanin and a thinner stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin). UV damage accumulated during childhood and adolescence is strongly associated with an increased risk of skin cancer later in life. By teaching sensible sun protection habits from an early age and implementing sun protection measures, early childhood services can play a significant role in reducing skin cancer risk.ScopeThis policy applies to all;children, staff, volunteers, visitors and contractors, activities and events on and off-site,service environments and environments where service events occur.Legislative requirementsOccupational Health and Safety Act (2004) Children's Services Act 1996 Children's Services Regulations 2009Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Vic) (Part 2: Principles for children) HYPERLINK "$FILE/10-069a.pdf" Education and Care Services National Law?Act 2010: Section 167: Protection from harm and hazardsHYPERLINK ""Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011Part 4.2: Children’s health and safetyReg 100Risk assessment must be conducted before excursions Reg 101Conduct of risk assessment for excursionPart 4.3: Physical environmentReg 113Outdoor space: natural environmentReg 114Outdoor space: shadeReg 116Assessments of family day care residences and approved family day care venuesPart 4.7: Leadership and service managementReg 168 (2)(a)(ii) Policies and procedures: Sun protectionReg 169Additional policies and procedures – family day care servicesReg 170 Policies and procedures to be followedReg 171Policies and procedures to be kept availableReg 172 Notification of change to policies or proceduresKey termsTermMeaningUltraviolet (UV) radiationUltraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of energy produced by the sun and some artificial sources, such as solariums and collariums. UV can’t be seen or felt. The sun’s UV can reach you directly and also indirectly (reflected off different surfaces and scattered by particles in the air). At least 95% of skin cancers are caused by UV exposure. UV IndexThe World Health Organization's Global Solar UV Index measures UV levels on a scale from 0 (Low) to 11+ (Extreme). Sun protection is recommended when UV levels are 3 (Moderate) or higher. The UV level is affected by a number of factors including the time of day, time of year, cloud cover, altitude, location and surrounding surfaces. Sun protection timesThe sun protection times are a forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology for the time-of-day UV levels are predicted to reach 3 or higher (when sun protection is recommended for all skin types). In Victoria, UV levels typically reach 3 or higher daily from mid-August to the end of April. Sun protection times are available for various locations across Victoria, nationally and globally on the free SunSmart Global UV widget and app or at .au or at .au. Sun protectionA combination of strategies (clothing, hats, sunscreen, sunglasses and shade) to protect from UV.ShadeWell-designed and positioned shade can significantly reduce direct and indirect UV exposure and create cool, comfortable spaces for outdoor learning and play. Shade can be natural (trees, shrubs or shadow cast from nearby buildings), built (pergola, shade sails, etc.), portable (shade umbrellas, marquees, etc.) or a combination of these. Ensure shade is easily accessible, aesthetically pleasing, in good condition and regularly maintained. Use surfaces that reflect less UV, e.g., natural, dark or rough surfaces such as grass, soil and tanbark. When combined with appropriate clothing, hats and sunscreen, children can be well protected from UV when outdoors. Research shows that preschool environments with trees, shrubbery, and broken ground not only provides better sun protection in outdoor play but also triggers more physical activity.Sun protective hatA hat should shade the face, neck and ears such as a wide-brimmed or bucket hat (at least 5cm brim for young children) or legionnaire hat (make sure the front peak and back flap overlap at the sides). Caps and visors do not provide enough protection and should be swapped for a UV protective hat. Hats should be accessible and stored where children can easily locate and identify their own hat.Sun protective clothingClothing should cover as much skin as possible. Choose cool, loose-fitting clothing made from densely woven or UPF rated fabric. Encourage the wearing of tops that cover the chest, shoulders and arms and longer style shorts or skirts. If a child is wearing a singlet top or dress with thin straps, add a t-shirt or shirt before outdoor play. SunscreenSunscreen should be SPF50+ broad-spectrum and water-resistant. For all children over 6 months, apply sunscreen to any skin not covered by clothing 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours or after water activities. Make sure it has an Australian Licence (Aust L) number and monitor the expiry date. Store sunscreen below 30 degrees and out of direct sun. Cancer Council recommends a usage test before applying a new sunscreen. The widespread use of sunscreen on babies under 6 months old is not recommended.SunglassesIf practical for your setting, wear close fitting, wrap-around sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard 1067 (Sunglasses: Category 2, 3 or 4) and cover as much of the eye area as possible. Wearing a hat with a brim that shades the eyes can also reduce UV radiation to the eyes by 50%.Related policies?Providing a child safe environment Enrolment and orientation Excursions Governance and management Interactions with children Water safetyOccupational Health and SafetyRoles and responsibilitiesRolesResponsibilitiesApproved providerEnsure that obligations under the Education and Care Services National Law and National Regulations are met.Take reasonable steps to ensure that the nominated supervisor, educators and staff follow the sun protection policy and procedures.Ensure adequate shading over areas for both active and passive outdoor play.Ensure access to an adequate supply of sunscreen for children, educators and staff.Ensure staff dress code/uniform includes sun protective clothing and hats.Ensure that copies of the policy and procedures are readily accessible and available to nominated supervisors, coordinators, educators, staff, volunteers and families.Ensure families are aware of and agree to support the service’s sun protection policy and procedures.Nominated supervisorImplement the sun protection policy and procedures as outlined in the document.Monitor the daily sun protection times for your municate these to educators, staff, children and families.Support the implementation of sun protection measures during the sun protection times. Promote sun safe practices with all children, families, educators and staff within the service.EducatorsImplement the sun protection policy and procedures as documented.Monitor the daily sun protection times for your location and manage sun safe outdoor play and learning accordingly.Monitor, and where practical, adjust outdoor learning and play experiences to minimise direct and indirect UV exposure.Utilise and role-model sun safe municate with families about SunSmart practices in general and specific expectations within the service (e.g., wearing protective clothing, sun protective hat styles).FamiliesBe aware of, support and follow the service’s sun protection policy and procedures.Ensure children are dressed in appropriate sun protective clothing. Source: HYPERLINK "" note regarding infantsOur SunSmart practices consider the special needs of infants. All babies under 12 months are kept out of direct sun when UV levels are 3 or higher. Our service acknowledges 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. ImplementationEducators and children are encouraged to access, display and communicate the daily, local sun protection times. The sun protection measures listed below are used for all outdoor activities during the daily local sun protection times. Procedures 1. EnvironmentRegs: 100, 113, 114, 116, 168 QA2: 2.2.1, 2.1.3QA3: 3.1, 3.1.1, 3.2, 3.2.1 QA7: 7.1.2 Seek shade The approved provider and nominated supervisor ensures there is enough shade (natural, built, temporary) available in the outdoor area particularly in high-use areas. The availability of shade is considered when planning all outdoor activities. Children are encouraged to choose and use available areas of shade when outside. Children who do not have appropriate hats or outdoor clothing are asked to choose a shady play space or a suitable area protected from the sun. In consultation with the service’s committee, shade provision and UV reflective surfaces are considered in plans for refurbishments and future buildings and grounds. A shade assessment is conducted regularly to determine the current availability and quality of shade.2. BehavioursRegs: 100, 113, 114, 116, 168, 170, 171, 172 QA2: 2.2.1 QA3: 3.1, 3.1.1, 3.2, 3.2.1 QA7: 7.1.2 Slip on sun-protective clothingChildren wear loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Families are asked to choose tops with elbow-length sleeves, higher necklines (or collars) and knee-length or longer style shorts, skirts and dresses for their child. If a child is wearing a singlet top or shoestring dress, they will be asked to choose a t-shirt/shirt to wear over this before going outdoors.Slap on a sun protective hat All children and educators wear hats that protect their face, neck and ears (legionnaire, broad-brimmed or bucket style). Caps and visors are not considered a suitable alternative.Children without a sun protective hat are provided with a spare hat where possible.Slop on sunscreen SPF50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen is supplied by the service and/or families. Sunscreen is applied at least 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if sweating or swimming.To help develop independent skills ready for school, children from three years of age are encouraged and given opportunities to apply their own sunscreen under supervision of staff.Sunscreen is stored in a supervised, cool place, out of the sun. The expiry date is monitored.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. Slide on sunglasses [if practical] Where practical children wear close-fitting, wrap-around sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard 1067 (Sunglasses: Category 2, 3 or 4) and cover as much of the eye area as possible.Learning and skills / Community engagementRegs: 100, 113, 114, 116, 168 QA1: 1.1, 1.1.1, 1.1.3, 1.2, 1.2.2, 1.2.3QA2: 2.1, 2.1.3QA3: 3.2, 3.2.1 QA5: 5.2, 5.2.1QA6: 6.1, 6.1.2, 6.1.3, 6.2QA7: 7.1.2 Sun protection is incorporated into the learning and development program.The SunSmart policy is reinforced by educators and through children's activities and displays.Educators are encouraged to complete Cancer Council’s free Generation SunSmart online learning modules.Children are encouraged to be involved in initiatives to promote and model sun protection measures at the service including taking leadership roles in managing sun protection e.g., accessing daily sun protection times, hat and sunscreen reminders, and supporting other children to be SunSmart.Educators, staff and families are provided with information about sun protection through family newsletters, service handbook, noticeboards and the service’s website. When enrolling their child, families are: informed of the service’s SunSmart policy;asked to provide a suitable sun protective hat, covering clothing and sunscreen for their child;asked to provide written authority for staff to apply sunscreen to their child; andencouraged to use SunSmart measures themselves when at the ernance and leadership Regs: 100, 113, 114, 116, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172QA2: 2.2, 2.2.1QA7: 7.1, 7.1.2 As part of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) UV risk controls and role-modelling, educators, staff and visitors:wear a suitable sun-protective hat, covering clothing and, if practical, sunglasses; apply sunscreen; andseek shade whenever possible.Sun protection considerations and actions are included in risk assessments for excursions and excursion checklists. Monitoring and review Regs: 100, 113, 114, 116, 168 QA2: 2.1.2, 2.2, 2.2.1QA3: 3.2.1QA6: 6.1.2, 6.1.3QA7: 7.1, 7.1.2 All staff, including approved provider, nominated supervisor and educators - with input from families and children where possible - monitor and review the effectiveness of our SunSmart policy (at least every five years) and revise the policy as required.Our service is committed to our SunSmart membership and complete a policy review and membership renewal with SunSmart at - at least once every five years.As registered SunSmart members, we have submitted a copy of our policy to SunSmart and commit to implementing the sun protection measures as documented. SunSmart will be notified of any changes to our policy.Our SunSmart policy is available to staff, families and visitors.Policy last reviewed:Approved by:Next scheduled review date:Relevant Standards / linksBelonging, Being and Becoming – The Early Years Learning Framework (V2.0, 2022)Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) (May 2016)ACECQA Sun protection policy and procedure guidelines (August 2021)ACECQA Providing appropriate outdoor space (July 2023)Be SunSmart, Play SunSmart Suggested learning experiences for sun protectionSun protection resources and information for early childhood servicesSun protection advice for parents and carersSun protection information for babies and toddlersSun protection information in different languagesSunSmart website Accessibility tool - for accessible information and to translate all content into audio/text for over 100 languages Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) Building Quality Standards Handbook (BQSH): Section 5.1 Landscape architecture, 5.1.5 Shade Areas (May 2022) HYPERLINK "$File/HEPA%20-%20B5%20Book%20-%20Staff%20and%20Carer%20Book_LR.pdf" Get Up & Grow: Healthy eating and physical activity for early childhood (Section 2) 2009Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) The Victorian Teaching Profession Code of Conduct - Principle 3.2Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (AITSL) – Standard 4.4 and 7.2ARPANSA Radiation Protection Standard for Occupational Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation (2006) Safe Work Australia: Guide on exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) (2019)AS 4174:2018 (Amd 2019) Knitted and woven shade fabrics AS/NZS 1067.1:2016 (Amd 2021), Eye and face protection - Sunglasses and fashion spectaclesAS 4399:2020, Sun protective clothing - Evaluation and classificationAS/NZS 2604:2012 Sunscreen products - Evaluation and classificationAS/NZS 4685.0:2017, Playground equipment and surfacing - Development, installation, inspection, maintenance and operation.6.2.1 General considerations, 6.3.9 Shade and sun protection, Appendix A Shade and sun protection HYPERLINK "" Healthy Early Childhood Services Achievement Program – Sun protectionUnited Nations. 1989. “Convention on the Rights of the Child.” Treaty Series 1577 (November): 3National Quality Standards Quality Area (QA) / Standard (S) / Element (E)QA 1Educational program and practiceS 1.1 ProgramThe Educational program enhances each child’s learning and developmentE 1.1.1Curriculum decision making contributes to each child’s learning and development outcomes in relation to their identity, connection with community, wellbeing, confidence as learners and effectiveness as communicators.E 1.1.3All aspects of the program, including routines, are organised in ways that maximise opportunities for each child’s learning.S 1.2 PracticeEducators facilitate and extend each child’s learning and developmentE 1.2.1Educators are deliberate, purposeful, and thoughtful in their decisions and actions.E 1.2.2Educators respond to children’s ideas and play and extend children’s learning through open-ended questions, interactions and feedback.E 1.2.3Each child’s agency is promoted, enabling them to make choices and decisions that influence events and their world.S 1.3 Assessment and PlanningEducators and co-ordinators take a planned and reflective approach to implementing the program for each child.QA 2Children’s health and safetyS 2.1 HealthEach child’s health and physical activity is supported and promotedE 2.1.1Each child’s wellbeing and comfort is provided for, including appropriate opportunities to meet each child’s need for sleep, rest and relaxation.E 2.1.2Effective illness and injury management and hygiene practices are promoted and implemented.E 2.1.3Healthy eating and physical activity are promoted and appropriate for each child.S 2.2 SafetyEach child is protectedE 2.2.1At all times, reasonable precautions and adequate supervision ensure children are protected from harm and hazard.QA 3Physical environmentS 3.1 DesignThe design of the facilities is appropriate for the operations of a serviceE 3.1.1Outdoor and indoor spaces, buildings, fixtures and fittings are suitable for their purpose, including supporting the access of every child.E 3.1.2 Premises, furniture and equipment are safe, clean and well maintained.S 3.2 UseThe service environment is inclusive, promotes competence and supports exploration and play-based learning.E 3.2.1Outdoor and indoor spaces are organised and adapted to support every child’s participation and to engage every child in quality experiences in both built and natural environments.QA 4Staffing ArrangementsS 4.2 ProfessionalismManagement, educators and staff are collaborative, respectful and ethical.E 4.2.2Professional standards guide practice, interactions and relationships.QA 5Relationships with childrenS 5.1 Relationships between educators and childrenRespectful and equitable relationships are maintained with each child.S 5.2 Relationships between childrenEach child is supported to build and maintain sensitive and responsive relationshipsE 5.2.1 Collaborative learningChildren are supported to collaborate, learn from and help each other.QA 6Collaborative partnerships with families and communities S 6.1 Supportive relationships with familiesRespectful relationships with families are developed and maintained and families are supported in their parenting role.E 6.1.1Families are supported from enrolment to be involved in the service and contribute to service decisions.E 6.1.2The expertise, culture, values and beliefs of families are respected, and families share in decision-making about their child’s learning and wellbeing.E 6.1.3Current information is available to families about the service and relevant community services and resources to support parenting and family wellbeing.S 6.2 Collaborative partnershipsCollaborative partnerships enhance children’s inclusion, learning and wellbeing.QA 7Governance and Leadership S 7.1 GovernanceGovernance supports the operations of a quality service.E 7.1.2Systems are in place to manage risk and enable the effective management and operation of a quality serviceE 7.1.3Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, and understood, and support effective decision making and operation of the service.S 7.2 LeadershipEffective leadership builds and promotes a positive organisational culture and professional learning community.-576901232445E: earlychildhood@.au P: 03 9514 6415 W: .au Last updated: March 202400E: earlychildhood@.au P: 03 9514 6415 W: .au Last updated: March 2024-21690591645Please note: Certain health conditions and medications mean some people are more sensitive to UV radiation and need to use sun protection at all times regardless of the UV levels. Please make sure your policy includes the particular needs of these children and staff at your service. For further information visit Risk factors for skin cancer .00Please note: Certain health conditions and medications mean some people are more sensitive to UV radiation and need to use sun protection at all times regardless of the UV levels. Please make sure your policy includes the particular needs of these children and staff at your service. For further information visit Risk factors for skin cancer . ................
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