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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
By participating in SunSmart, you reinforce your commitment to creating a safe, healthy environment where children can thrive.
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.
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.
SunSmart members receive a 20% discount when purchasing Cancer Council sunscreen through our retail store.
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.
SunSmart services review their sun protection policy every three years to maintain their membership. Renewal of membership is free of charge.
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