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Sun Safety

 Sun safety is an important part of our Relationships, Health Education (RHE) curriculum and our wider commitment to safeguarding. By educating children about the benefits of enjoying the outdoors safely, we help them make informed choices that reduce the risk of sun damage both now and in the future.

Schools have a key role to play because: 

  • children spend a significant amount of time outdoors during the school day
  • most lifetime sun damage occurs during childhood
  • simple sun-safe habits can greatly reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer
  • schools can promote lifelong healthy behaviours through education and positive role modelling​​​​​​

Our SunSmart Approach

We work in partnership with pupils, staff and families to promote simple, memorable sun-safe behaviours throughout the summer months.

Our SunSmart message: Wrap • Splat • Hat

  • Wrap – Wear lightweight clothing that covers shoulders and skin when spending longer periods outdoors.
  • Splat – Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen before school and reapply during the day where appropriate. Children are also encouraged to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  • Hat – Wear a wide-brimmed or legionnaire-style hat to protect the face, neck and ears during outdoor activities.

How We Promote Sun Safety

Sun safety is reinforced throughout the summer term through:

  • whole-school assemblies
  • age-appropriate classroom learning
  • links within our Relationships and Health Education curriculum
  • reminders before sports events, educational visits and outdoor learning
  • promoting healthy hydration throughout the school day

Keeping Children Safe Outdoors

During periods of warm weather, we take sensible precautions to help children enjoy outdoor learning safely.

These include:

  • encouraging children to seek shade during break and lunchtime
  • making use of shaded areas around the school site
  • adapting outdoor activities when temperatures or UV levels are particularly high
  • ensuring children have regular access to drinking water
  • reminding children to reapply sunscreen where this has been provided by parents
  • encouraging appropriate sun hats for outdoor learning and play

Working in Partnership with Families

Parents and carers can support our SunSmart approach by:

  • applying long-lasting sunscreen before school
  • providing a named bottle of sunscreen where reapplication may be needed
  • ensuring children bring a named sun hat during the summer term
  • providing a named water bottle each day

Together, we can help children enjoy the outdoors safely whilst developing healthy habits that will protect them throughout their lives.

Further Information

For further advice and resources, please visit:

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