Our School - SunSmart Policy
South Yarra Primary School
SunSmart Policy
Rationale:
Too much of the sun’s UV can cause sunburn, skin and eye damage and skin cancer. UV damage accumulated during childhood and adolescence is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer in later life.
To ensure staff and students are protected from an overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, sun protection is used for all outdoor activities from mid-August until the end of April and whenever the UV Index level reaches 3 and above.
From May until mid-August, sun protection is not used unless the UV Index level reaches 3 and
Purposes:
1. To increase student and community awareness about skin cancer and sun protection.
2. To encourage the entire school community to use a combination of sun protection measures from mid-August to the end of April and whenever UV Index levels reach 3 and above.
3. To work towards a safe school environment that provides shade for children, staff and the
4. To assist children to be responsible for their own sun protection.
5. To ensure that families and new staff are informed of the school’s SunSmart policy.
6. To ensure that all children and staff maintain a healthy balance between too little and too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Implementation:
1. All children and staff use a combination of sun protection measures whenever UV Index levels reach 3 and above.
2. Sun protection measures are not used from May until mid-August unless the UV Index level reaches 3 and above.
3. Our SunSmart policy is considered when planning all outdoor events e.g. assemblies, camps, excursions and sporting events. Where possible, we have outdoor activities or events earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, or we try using indoor venues.
Shade
1. The school council will ensure there is a sufficient number of shelters and trees providing shade in the school grounds particularly in areas where children congregate e.g. outdoor lesson areas and popular play areas.
2. In consultation with the school council, shade provision is considered in plans for future
3. The availability of shade is considered when planning excursions and all outdoor activities. Children are encouraged to use available areas of shade when outside.
4. Children who do not have appropriate hats or outdoor clothing are asked to play in the shade or a suitable area protected from the sun.
Clothing
1. Sun protective clothing is included in our school uniform / dress code and sports uniform.
2. School clothing is made of close weave fabric and includes shirts with collars and longer sleeves, longer style dresses and shorts and rash vests or t-shirts for outdoor swimming.
Hats
1. Children and staff are required to wear hats that protect their face, neck and ears, i.e. legionnaire, broad brimmed or bucket hats, whenever they are outside.
2. Baseball caps do not offer enough protection and are therefore not recommended.
Sunglasses
Where practical students are encouraged to 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.
Sunscreen
1. Use of water resistant SPF 30+ (or higher) broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen is recommended for staff and student's use.
2. The school will supply SPF 30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen for staff and student’s use.
3. Staff remind students to apply Sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outdoors during breaks. Sunscreen is reapplied every two hours or more frequently if sweating or swimming.
Role modelling
1. Staff act as role models by:
- wearing sun protective hats, clothing and sunglasses when outside
- applying SPF 30+ (or higher) broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen
- seeking shade whenever possible
2. Families and visitors are encouraged to use a combination of sun protection measures (sun
Curriculum
1. Programs on skin cancer prevention are included in the curriculum for all year levels e.g. ‘SunSmart Campaigns and teaching resources.
2. SunSmart behaviour is regularly reinforced and promoted to the whole school community through newsletters, school homepage, parent meetings, staff meetings, school assemblies, student and teacher activities and on student enrolment.
Monitoring and Review
The school council and staff regularly monitor and review the effectiveness of the SunSmart policy (once every three years) and revise the policy by completing a policy review and membership renewal with SunSmart at http://www.sunsmart.com.au/ as part of the school’s three year cycle.
SunSmart policy updates and requirements will be made available to staff, families and visitors.
Relevant Documents / Links
- DET School Policy & Advisory Guide (SPAG) Sun & UV protection (2016)
- DET The Compact: Roles and Responsibilities in Victorian government school education: Principle 3 (2012)
- DET OHSMS Implementation Guide (2009)
- DET Building Quality Standards Handbook (BQSH): Section 8.5.5 Shade Areas
- DET Guidelines for School Playgrounds –Playground safety management: Section 3.2.5 (2012)
- DET Outdoor activities
- Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV) Your Child’s Health Wellbeing and Safety (Primary)
- Independent Schools Victoria (ISV) Managing a school – Health & Safety Compliance Framework: OHS >Sun Protection
- My Time, Our Place: Framework for School Age Care in Australia (2011)
- Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) (May 2016)
- Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) The Victorian Teaching Profession Code of Conduct - Principle 3.2
- Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST) – Standard 4.4 and 7.2
- Education and Training Parliamentary Committee Inquiry into Dress Codes and School Uniforms in Victorian Schools –Final Report
- ARPANSA Radiation Protection Standard for Occupational Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation (2006)
- Safe Work Australia: Guidance Note – Sun protection for outdoor workers (2016)
- AS 4685.1: 2014 Playground equipment and surfacing – General safety requirements and test methods
