Te ārai i ngā hihi o Tamanuiterā/Sun Safety

2023

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Rationale

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Children and adults at Collectively Kids need protection against the damaging effects of the sun. Excessive exposure to ultra-violet radiation (UV radiation) from the sun may cause sunburn and damage the skin which increases the risk of skin cancer. Children engaged in play and recreation activities outside may have increased exposure to UV radiation.

 

At Collectively Kids we follow the Cancer Society message of Slip, Slop, Slap, Wrap, and Seek shade, to reduce the risk of UV radiation that causes harm.

 

This sun protection policy will apply when the UVI is 3 or above, which is generally September to April (especially between 10 am and 4 pm).

 

This policy is adopted from Cancer Society New Zealand so that children attending Collectively Kids are protected from excessive exposure to UVR from the sun.

 

Te Whāriki

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Well-being – Goal 1. Children experience an environment where their health is promoted.

Well-being - Goal 4. Children are kept safe from harm.

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Aims

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• To increase awareness of skin and eye damage and practical means of protection.

• To encourage responsible decision-making about sun protection.

• To work towards an environment that provides shade for tamariki, whānau, and kaiako.

• Tamariki, whānau, and kaiako will wear appropriate hats and clothing for outdoor activities when the UVI is 3 or higher.

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Strategies

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• Tamariki and kaiako will be required to wear appropriate hats when outside during the peak UV times

• Kaiako will adopt a strategy of “No hat, play in the shade or indoors”.

• Tamariki are discouraged from wearing caps or visors as they do not shade the cheeks, chin, ears, or back of the neck

• Tamariki will be required to play in the shade or indoors if dressed inappropriately for sun exposure.

• A broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30+ is applied twice a day, before the tamariki go out after morning tea and again before they go out after lunch.

• Sunscreen is applied 15 - 20 minutes before exposure to the sun.

• Any tamariki requiring special sunscreen due to skin allergies is required to provide their own.

• Staff will role model wearing appropriate hats, clothing, and sunscreen when outside.

• Programme activities will be planned to avoid prolonged periods outdoors during the hottest part of the day (peak UV times are 10 am-4 pm).

• Activities away from the Centre will be planned to minimise UV radiation risk and avoid peak UV times outdoors.

• Sun-safe and shaded areas at the site will be utilised and tamariki will have access to shaded play areas.

• Whānau will be informed on enrolment of the policy regarding sun safety and encouraged to send tamariki with appropriate clothing.

• Collectively Kids will include sun safety education, especially during the summer months, and promote sun safety messages through the display of posters and sun safety messages.

• Drinking water is available at all times.

 

Regulation 46 (1)(a), 45 Criteria

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