SunSmart Policy and Its Objectives for Kindergarten Students

08 April 2020

The SunSmart policy is a combination of sun protection measures for all outdoor activities from September to the end of April and whenever  ultraviolet radiation (UV) levels reach three and above, the level that can damage skin and eyes. A balance of ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure is important for health. Too much of the sun’s UV can cause sunburn, skin and eye damage and skin cancer. Sun exposure in the first 10 years of life is a major factor in determining future skin cancer risk. Below is an overview of the SunSmart policy and its objectives for kindergarten students.

SunSmart Policy

The SunSmart policy in itself covers shade, clothing, hats, sunscreen, excursions, health and physical education programming, and medication standards. Each of the seven categories require specific compliance for the benefit of their immediate environment. Below are the detailed versions of each of them and how they can be applied at a kindergarten.

Shade

A shade audit must be conducted annually to determine the current availability and quality of shade as part of the kindergarten building and grounds. The school community must make sure that there is a sufficient number of shelters and trees providing shade in the school grounds particularly in areas where students congregate e.g. lunch areas, cafeteria, outdoor lesson areas and popular recreation areas.

Clothing

Sun protective clothing must be included in the kindergartens’ school uniform and sports uniform. School clothing is cool, loose fitting and made of densely woven fabric. During physical education, kindergarten students must apply sunscreen and are encouraged to wear hats and sunglasses. The school uniform shop must also include hats to be used during physical education classes. Kindergarten students must be encouraged by teachers of all other learning areas to wear hats when outdoors.

Sunscreen

The school community must provide the health and physical education learning area with sunscreen for use in their programs. Health and physical education teachers model must insist students apply sunscreen. Strategies must be in place to remind students to apply sunscreen before going outdoors in other learning areas.

Emergency Medications

Some medications render kindergarten students sun sensitive (eg. Roaccutane, Doxycycline, Metronidaz). Parents are asked to inform the teachers if a student is on sun sensitive medication so it can be included on medical records. A student’s Physical Education teacher should be informed if a student is taking a sun sensitive medication. Where appropriate, sunscreen and long – length clothing is recommended when sun exposure cannot be avoided.

Objectives

The SunSmart Policy has been developed to ensure all kindergarten students and staff have some UV exposure for vitamin D but not in excessive amounts. They also contain specifications that encourage the entire school community to use a combination of sun protection measures whenever UV Index levels reach three and above. They should also work towards a safe school environment that provides shade for students, staff and the school community at appropriate times and assist kindergarten students to be responsible for their own sun protection. The SunSmart policy also informs the people of the daily local sun protection times for the benefit of everyone involved.

For a kindergarten experience that is safe and sun-protected, enrol your child at Gower Street Kindergarten. We deliver a culturally enriched sessional kindergarten program that supports children of all abilities, aged between 3-5 years of age.