We are committed to ensuring that all children are fully protected from the dangers of too much sun/UV rays. Severe sunburn in childhood can lead to the development of malignant melanoma (the most dangerous type of skin cancer) in later life.   

We follow guidance from the weather and UV level reports and use the following procedures to keep children safe and healthy in the sun:  

• Children must have a clearly labelled sun hat which will be worn at all times whilst outside in sunny weather. This hat will preferably be of legionnaire's design (i.e. with an extended back and side to shield children’s neck and ears from the sun) to provide additional protection;  
• Children must have their own labelled high factor sun cream with prior written consent for staff to apply. This enables children to have sun cream suitable for their own individual needs. Staff must be aware of the expiry date and discard sunscreen after this date. Sun cream containing nut-based ingredients will not be allowed in the setting; 
• Parents are requested to supply light-weight cotton clothing for their children suitable for the sun, with long sleeves and long legs;   
• Children’s safety and welfare in hot weather is the nurseries’ prime objective, so staff will work closely with parents to ensure all appropriate cream and clothing is provided;  
• Staff will make day-to-day decisions about the length of time spent outside depending on the strength of the sun (UV levels). Children will not be allowed in direct sunlight between 11.00am – 3.00pm on hot days from March to October, following NHS sun safety advice. Shaded areas are provided to ensure children are able to still go out in hot weather, cool down or escape the sun should they wish or need to;    
• Children will always have sun cream applied before going outside in the hot weather and at frequent intervals during the day;  
• Children are encouraged to drink cooled water more frequently throughout sunny or warm days and this will be accessible both indoors and out;   
• Children are made aware of the need for sun hats, sun cream and the need to drink more fluids during their time in the sun;   
• A Key person will also work with the parents of their key children to decide and agree on suitable precautions to protect children from burning, including those with more sensitive skin types and those that may be more tolerant to the sunshine, e.g. black and/or Asian colouring.   

Liskeard School Nursery is an accredited member of Sun Safe Nurseries with Dobwalls School Nursery in the process of obtaining this accreditation, which provides us with information and resources for ensuring we keep your child safe in the sun.  

Help teach your child the importance of sun safety by reading this fun, free e-book together (click the picture to access it):