Sun Protection Policy
At Groombridge Pre-school we want staff and children to enjoy the sunshine safely and make the most of our outside area. This policy aims to protect children from becoming sunburnt, and to instil good practice with regard to exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.
Parents and carers are asked to provide a hat for their children to wear and also to apply sun cream before sending their children to pre-school in the morning. This allows us to make the most of our outside area for learning.
Shade
We are lucky that our outside area is facing north and therefore the building itself provides us with shade for the duration of our sessions. We also have 2 canopies to provide further shade and keep the temperature down.
Timetabling
We will ensure that we make the most of our time outside before 11am. If the temperature should rise above 30C the children will not take part in vigorous physical activities.
Clothing
We will actively encourage the children to wear hats when outside from May onwards. We have our own supply of hats should anyone not have their own. The staff have also agreed to wear hats when outside to set a good example to the children.
Sunscreen
It is parents/carers responsibility to ensure that children have had sunscreen applied before they come to pre school. For children who are staying with us all day, we ask the parent to supply a named bottle of sun cream which we will apply in the afternoon. We acquire signed permission to apply suncream on an annual basis. We also seek permission from parents/carers to sponge down their child if they over heat or we suspect heatstroke. If we suspect heatstroke, we will contact the parent.
Drinking Water
Children should always come with their own drinking bottle but it is of paramount importance when the weather is hot. We will also supply plenty of fresh water on a table for them to help themselves. We will encourage the children to drink more at times of extreme heat.
Exceptions
If there is a medical, religious or other reason why your child is unable to have sun cream applied please supply a letter which we may keep in your child’s personal file. We suggest that if this is the case that you provide a long sleeved light-weight top so that their arms are protected as much as possible.
Inside
Windows and doors are open during the cool of the mornings and then the openings will be reduced once the outside temperature becomes warmer than the indoors. This allows the hall to remain cool and allows good ventilation.
Our canopies act as solar shading without blocking ventilation.
Electrical equipment such as computers, monitors or printers all create heat and should be switched off.
Children Most at Risk
Children under 4 years of age and children with complex health needs or disabilities. Advice will be sort from their specialist health professional to ensure we provide for their individual needs.
If Heat Exhaustion is Suspected
Signs of heat exhaustion are;
Irritability
Fatigue
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea
It is important to reduce the body temperature at once by moving the child to a cool area. Sponging the child with cool (not cold) water and placing cool packs around the neck and in the armpits. Placing the child near a fan is also recommended.
If the child should show signs of confusion or loses consciousness they will be placed in the recovery position and an ambulance will be called.
See also our Fit To Play Policy for the governments heat wave advice.
This policy is known, agreed and implemented by all staff.
This policy is known, and made available to all parents.
This policy was reviewed June 2011