2.16 Sun Protection Policy NQS: Quality Area 2

Policy Statement Westgarth Kindergarten protects all children and staff from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and promotes positive attitudes amongst children, families and staff towards skin protection. Procedures Sunhats, Sunscreen and Clothing •

From September to the end of April each year o All children are required to bring a suitable sunhat that provides shade to the face, back of the neck and ears (legionnaire style, bucket or broad brimmed hats are recommended. Baseball caps are not suitable) o Children are required to wear SPF 50+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen and it is recommended this be applied at home prior to kinder drop-off. SPF50+ sunscreen is also available at the kinder for application. Sunscreen is reapplied to all children after lunch. o Permission from families for the application of sunscreen during kinder hours is sought at the time of enrolment. o Families of children with sunscreen sensitivities should supply their own labelled sunscreen. o Children should be dressed in clothing that provides adequate sun protection and breathability. Sleeveless tops are not recommended. o Staff ensure that children wear hats during outdoor play and encourage them to use shaded areas on days of high UV levels. o 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. o Sunhats are not provided by the kindergarten due to the risk of spreading head lice.

Use of outdoor spaces • • •

Outdoor play is an important part of Westgarth Kinder’s curriculum all year round. The kinder’s outdoor spaces included shaded areas to protect children from overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. On days of very high UV levels, children are encouraged to play in shaded areas.

Water •

Staff encourage children to drink water throughout the day, especially on hot days.

Communication •

Requirements for sun protection are communicated to parents at the orientation session at the start of the year and are included in the Kinder Handbook.

Policy 2.16 Sun Protection - endorsed jun 2016.docx

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Staff OHS and Role modelling •

As part of OHS UV risk controls and role-modelling, from the months of September through to April, staff and volunteers: o wear sun protective hats, clothing and sunglasses when outside o apply SPF 50+ broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen o seek shade whenever possible

Monitoring & Evaluation ●

To assess whether the policy has achieved its purpose and whether amendments are required, the committee will: ○ Take into account feedback from staff and parents/guardians regarding the policy ○ Monitor complaints and incidents regarding sun protection. ○ Periodically review this policy.

Monitoring & Evaluation ●

To assess whether the policy has achieved its purpose and whether amendments are required, the committee will: ○ Take into account feedback from staff and parents/guardians regarding the policy ○ Monitor complaints and incidents regarding sun protection ○ Periodically review this policy

Links National Quality Standard – Quality Area 2, Standard 2.3 Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011, Part 4.2, Regulations 114, 168 Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010, Section 167 Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 Sources • SunSmart (www.sunsmart.com.au) Authorisation Endorsed by the Westgarth Kindergarten Committee of Management on 20th June 2016. Review Date This policy will be reviewed every two years and is next due for formal Committee review in 2018, unless deemed necessary earlier.

Policy 2.16 Sun Protection - endorsed jun 2016.docx

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