Tamariki School

Sun safety policy

Sun safety SunSmart Policy
 
NAG 5
Number 320
 
Rationale
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun causes sunburn, skin damage and increases the risk of skin cancer. New Zealand has among the highest melanoma rates in the world. One or more episodes of sunburn in childhood and adolescence have been shown to increase the risk of melanoma later in life.
The sun protection policy will apply during Terms 1 and 4 (especially between 11am and 4pm) Sun protection is also recommended during September when children are outdoors for extended periods of time. 
 
Aims
1. To ensure children are protected from the suns harmful UV radiation. 
2. To educate the School Community on SunSmart procedures and behavior.
 
Guidelines
  1. Require children to wear hats which protect the face, head, ears and back of neck whenever they are outside on the school grounds or off site on school trips, during terms 1 and 4.
  2. Provide extra hats for children to borrow when appropriate.
  3. Encourage children to wear clothing that protects the skin from the sun (e.g. sleeves, collars, rash vests).
  4. The Tamariki School rules and meeting system ensure that children who do not wear a hat play either in the shade or indoors.
  5. Work with the School community to promote the use of SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen by students (alongside other SunSmart behaviors) and also have this available for students to use when appropriate.
  6. Encourage the staff and the wider community to role model SunSmart behavior, particularly with regard to wearing the appropriate hats.
  7. Publicise and reinforce the School’s SunSmart Policy through community newsletters and student and teacher activities.
  8. Incorporate SunSmart education into curriculum delivery where appropriate. Resources available at www.sunsmartschools.co.nz 
  9. Publicise the SunSmart information in the term 3 newsletter 
  10. Inform parents of the SunSmart Policy at Enrolment and discuss appropriate clothing and sunscreen.
 
Environment
  1. Work towards developing and improving existing shade, particularly in areas where children spend a lot of time. Shade can be both built and natural.
  2. Include a sun exposure assessment in the Risk Analysis and Management System for any EOTC plan for outdoor activities.
  3. Whenever possible scheduled outdoor activities and events should occur before 11am or in areas where shade is available.
 
Reinforcement and Evaluation
  1. Ensure ongoing assessment of SunSmart behavior, education and shade provision.
  2. Review the SunSmart policy as part of the Board of Trustees Policy review procedure.
REVIEWED and ADOPTED: 6th October 2016
 
To be reviewed again : June 2020
This page was last modified on: 18 Oct 2017 21:08:32