At Inspired we teach our children to be SunSmart and we wish to provide children with the best education and knowledge around sun safety to allow for healthier safe generations to come.
Our SunSmart policy provides guidelines to ensure all children and educators are protected from over-exposure to UV radiation; ensure the outdoor environment provides shade for children and educators, and ensure children are encouraged and supported to develop independent sun protection skills.
Our educating team implement the following SunSmart practices;
UV awareness:
View the local sun protection times (as forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology for the time of day UV levels are forecast to reach 3 and above. In Victoria, UV levels regularly reach 3 or higher from mid-August to the end of April).
Seek shade:
Our children are encouraged to explore learning in shaded areas of our outdoor environment during September – April.
Slip on sun protective clothing:
Children are asked to wear loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Clothing made from cool, densely woven fabric is recommended. 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 broad-brimmed hats (as provided by Inspired) to protect their face, neck and ears.
Slop on sunscreen:
SPF30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen is applied to our children a minimum of 20 minutes prior to engaging in outdoor play.
Slide on sunglasses:
Where practical children are encouraged to wear close-fitting, wrap-around sunglasses that cover as much of the eye area as possible.
In each of our educational environments the children have a self-help station, filled with tissues, wipes, water, cups and sunscreen. Kealy confidently applies her sunscreen 20 minutes prior to exploring the outdoor environment.
Click here to download the SunSmart app so you too can be SunSafe.
