Sun Care
At Hatching Dragons 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:
- Key persons will work with the parents of their key children to ensure sunscreen and a sun hat is provided during summer and hot days.
- 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 legionnaires 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.
- 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 nursery’s 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; children will not be allowed in the direct sunlight between 11.00am – 3.00pm on hot days
- 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
- Shade will be 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.
Vitamin D
Sunlight is important for the body to receive vitamin D. We need vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium and phosphate from our diet. These minerals are important for healthy bones, teeth and muscles.
Our body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on our skin when we are outdoors. Most people can make enough vitamin D from being out in the sun daily for short periods with their hands or other body parts uncovered. Sun cream will stop the ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from reaching your skin, so part of your body should be uncovered and not have sun cream on. At nursery we find the right balance to protect children from sunburn as well as allowing the skin to access the sun for the vitamin D benefits.