Sun Safety At School

It is vital that we all know how to protect our skin from the sun, but it is even more important that we know how to protect the children we look after. UV rays can be incredibly damaging to a child’s skin and so care givers must understand the importance of sun protection, adequate shade and the education of children and parents.

There are various ways that children can be protected from the sun in any location, and there is even a Sun Safe Schools initiative to help schools offer the best possible care for their pupils. When children are outside and exposed to the sun’s rays they should be adequately protected with sunscreen and sun hats. Sunscreen should have a high SPF and be re-applied at regular intervals to make sure it is offering maximum protection. The school or nursery has a responsibility to provide adequate shaded areas like playground shades, canopies and shelters for children when they are outdoors, particularly over playgrounds and sand pits.

The school should take the opportunity to educate the children about their own sun safety through structured assemblies and lessons. It is important to engage with children in a fun manner to explain the dangers of the sun and how they can protect themselves.

The Sun Safe Schools organisation has been developed in conjunction with skin cancer charity Skin and require the school to ensure the four steps of sunscreen, sun hats and role models, shade, introductory assembly plans and lesson plans and activity sheets are completed as part of their duty of care to protect children from the damaging effects of UV rays during school hours.

Funding for Playground Shades and other Equipment

Adding a beautiful yet essential feature to your site may seem an expensive business but you can rest assured that there are funding options available for these sorts of playground improvements. Whether you represent an educational body, a local authority or a not-for-profit organisation, you could be eligible for funding for playground shelters, canopies or shades.

Before you embark on any playground funding applications, it is worth remembering that each funding organisation is different and therefore their preferences and criteria may vary. It is worth taking the time to study each option to make sure that you apply to the one that best fits your circumstances.

Playground funding gives children of all ages essential access to outdoor facilities and outdoor learning opportunities throughout the year. Funding for your playground shade means that children can enjoy all of this whilst being kept dry, safe and protected. There are a number of sources of playground funding across the UK, including Statutory or government funding, lottery funding and even funding from charitable trusts. Each one caters for different types of facilities, so speak to a variety of organisations to find the best one for you.