OOSH Care Services

Children engage in a variety of outdoor activities when they are at an OOSH service. The SunSmart program shows you how to ensure children are protected from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.  

As carers and educators, you want to provide children with the healthiest environment so they can thrive. Protecting children from skin and eye damaging UV radiation is one way to keep children safe and give them the best start in life.  

OOSH care services are an ideal place to learn how to play outdoors and be sun safe 

Children love being outdoors and being active while at OOSH but being outdoors means they can be exposed to UV radiation. Active play should be encouraged year-round as long as children’s skin is appropriately protected. 

To protect children’s health and create habits that they can carry with them through life, make sure you know when the UV hits 3 and the best ways to cover up from UV. 

By prioritising sun safety practices in childhood, you can help reduce an important risk factor for developing skin cancer later in life: UV exposure during childhood. 

What are the benefits of being a SunSmart member? 

Have peace of mind 

With Cancer Council NSW endorsing your policy and procedures, you can be confident that you are on the right track. This endorsement ensures that your sun protection measures meet the highest standards, giving you peace of mind.  

Fulfill your duty of care 

OOSH services have a responsibility to safeguard the children in their care. By creating a sun safe environment, you protect both staff and children from the dangers of overexposure to harmful UV radiation, ensuring their health and wellbeing. 

Show your commitment to children and staff’s wellbeing 

Joining the SunSmart program is a powerful way to show your dedication to the health and wellbeing of children and staff.  

Upon joining, you receive a sign and certificate to proudly display, signalling to parents and the community that: 

  • You are committed to sun protection at your centre.  
  • You have procedures in place to ensure children are protected from harmful UV rays while in your care. 

By participating in SunSmart, you reinforce your commitment to creating a safe, healthy environment where children can thrive. 

Meet your Work Health & Safety obligations 

Sun safety extends beyond students—it includes our dedicated educators and staff. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation during adulthood significantly increases the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it’s crucial for educators and staff to be aware of their occupational UV exposure and take proactive steps to protect themselves.  

When UV levels reach 3 and above, we encourage everyone to adopt a combination of sun protection measures which includes hats, covering clothing, sunscreen, shade and sunglasses if suitable.

By integrating these practices into daily routines, you not only safeguard the health of your educators but also set a positive example for students.  

Get expert support 

Our sun safety experts are here to assist you. They will answer your questions and provide feedback and recommendations for your sun protection policy and its implementation.  

We can also help you access accurate, current information on sun protection topics such as sunscreen, vitamin D, workplace health and safety, and duty of care. 

Buy discounted sunscreen 

SunSmart members receive a 20% discount when purchasing Cancer Council sunscreen through our retail store.  

Get access to resources 

Cancer Council has created a range of resources to support your sun protection policy, including posters to display in the classroom, brochures and flyers to send home to parents, and ideas for classroom activities.  

Requirements for membership 

SunSmart services review their sun protection policy every three years to maintain their membership. Renewal of membership is free of charge. 

Cancer Council NSW
Cancer Council NSW would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work. We would also like to pay respect to the elders past and present and extend that respect to all other Aboriginal people.

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