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Becoming a SunSmart school or centre

Schools and early childhood centres must have a comprehensive skin protection policy to join the SunSmart Program.   

Use this form to apply to be a SunSmart School OR renew your SunSmart status.
 
Before completing the application or review form:  
  • You must have a written skin protection policy for your school. You will need to include this with your application.
  • Make sure it includes the main points recommended by the Cancer Council - use the sample policy and checklist as a guide.
  • Complete the application or review form, include a copy of your school's policy and return to: SunSmart Schools Program, PO Box 929 Unley SA 5061. e: jrayner@cancersa.org.au ph: 08 8291 4147. 
What happens next?  
  • New applications
    • New applications will take approximately 4 weeks to process.
    • If your school meets the SunSmart School criteria, you will receive a Congratulations kit and SunSmart School agreement to sign.
    • You will be sent a metal SunSmart School sign (60 cms x 40 cms).
  • Renewals
    • If your school has continued to meet the SunSmart School criteria, you will receive a Congratulations letter and SunSmart School agreement to sign.
Becoming a SunSmart school tells the community 
that you are committed to the future health of its children. 

 
 
Why do we need a skin protection policy? 
Sun exposure in the first 10 years of life determines, to a substantial degree, the likelihood of skin cancer developing later in life.
 
Cancer Council SA advises people protect their skin at times when the ultraviolet (UV) radiation level is 3 and above – this is when it is strong enough to cause damage to unprotected skin.
 
 
When should our policy be in place? 
For much of South Australia, UV radiation levels are 3 and above every day from 1st of September until the 30th of April, when UV radiation levels are 3 and above, so this is when your policy should be active.
 
How do we know when the UV is 3 and above? 
SunSmart UV Alert makes it easy to find out the hours during any day when the UV is 3 and above (eg between 9:40 am and 3:05 pm).
 
It is published each day on the weather page of The Advertiser and on the Bureau of Meteorology website www.bom.gov.au - go to UV index forecast for SA. There is also a direct link from our SunSmart homepage www.sunsmart.org.au .
 
Between May and August there may be some days when the UV level is over 3 for part of the day. Use the SunSmart UV Alert to check UV levels on the day if your children will be outside for long periods of time.
 
What about Vitamin D?
Everyone needs some safe sun exposure to produce Vitamin D. How much sun we need varies according to the time of the year.
 
From May to August, sun protection (eg hats and sunscreen) for most people is not necessary - the UV radiation level is usually below 3.
 
What should my policy look like? 
It’s easy!
We’ve produced a sample skin protection policy that you can use and adapt. Or you can use the checklist of things that should be included in your policy. Go to the School Zone to find these.
 
 
Privacy
 
Member details will only be used for the purposes of Cancer Council SA's SunSmart Schools program. All school information will be kept private and confidential, and no identifying information will be used for statistical purposes. If you are concerned, contact Cancer Council's SunSmart Program on 08 8291 4111. 



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