What is a SunSmart school, OSHC or early childhood centre?
Schools, OSHCs and early childhood centres can join the SunSmart Schools and Early Childhood Program and be recognised as SunSmart when they:
- have a comprehensive sun protection policy that meets a minimum national standard covering the areas of curriculum, behaviour and the environment
- provide, or are working towards, adequate shade facilities
- ensure children and staff are well protected when the UV level is 3 and above, particularly during peak UV times of the day
- teach, role model and reinforce positive sun protection behaviours
- agree to undertake three-yearly policy reviews with Cancer Council SA to ensure policy and practice stay up to date with the national standard.
What are the benefits of being recognised as SunSmart?
Some of the key benefits for SunSmart Schools and Early Childhood Program members include:
- demonstrating their commitment to the health and wellbeing of their students through signage and Cancer Council SA endorsement of their policy and practice
- better awareness and support of sun protection strategies in school community
- free teaching resources
- keeping up to date with the latest information and recommended practice
- special offers including 20% discount on body sunscreen purchases; 25% discount on face sunscreen, hats and sunglasses for staff; and a UV meter loan program.
Participating in the SunSmart program is crucial for our school because it aligns with our commitment to student health and well-being. Students are more diligent in wearing hats and seeking shade, while staff consistently model and reinforce these practices. This collective effort has fostered a safer school environment and instilled lifelong sun-safe habits in our community.
How does SunSmart recognition helps your early childhood centre, school or OSHC service comply with legislation, standards and governing bodies?
Being SunSmart will help early childhood centres, schools and OSHC services meet the below requirements:
- Education and Care Services National Law Act (2010) and Education and Care Services National Regulations (2011) under Regulation 168, centres must have a policy and procedures in place for sun protection. Sun protection aligns with several quality areas of the National Quality Standard.
- Department for Education sites must have a sun protection policy in place to meet department requirements. The policy must be in effect in terms 1, 3 and 4 (or from 1 August to 30 April), or anytime the UV is 3 and above.
- Catholic Education South Australia has a duty of care, and work health and safety policy and practice requirements.
- Work Health and Safety Act 2012 outlines that educators have an obligation to take reasonable care for their own safety and comply with safety policy and procedures.
Cancer Council SA’s SunSmart Team are here to support you.
For any queries about the SunSmart Schools and Early Childhood Program application process or SunSmart recognition, please contact Cancer Council SA on 08 8291 4316 or email at sunsmart@cancersa.org.au.
Learn more about being a SunSmart school, OSHC or early childhood centre
Early childhood centres
A SunSmart early childhood centre, preschool or kindergarten has policies and practices in place that reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer amongst children and educators. To achieve SunSmart recognition with Cancer Council SA, centres need to be implementing a sun protection policy during term 1, 3 and 4 (or from 1 August through to 30 April), or whenever the UV is 3 and above.
Schools
A SunSmart school has policy and practices in place that reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer amongst students and staff. To achieve SunSmart recognition with Cancer Council SA, schools need to be implementing a sun protection policy during terms 1, 3 and 4 (or from 1 August through to 30 April) and when the UV is 3 and above at other times.
OSHC services
A SunSmart OSHC (out of school hours care) and vacation care service has policy and practices in place that reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer amongst children and educators. To achieve SunSmart recognition with Cancer Council SA, OSHC services need to be implementing a sun protection policy for: Before school care: Sun protection is not required, as the UV index is rarely 3 and above at this time. After school care: Sun protection is required during terms 1 and 4, and whenever the UV is 3 and above at other times. Staff are encouraged to access the daily local sun protection times to determine if sun protection measures are required during terms 2 and 3. Vacation care: Sun protection is required for all outdoor activities from 1 August to 30 April and whenever the UV is 3 and above at other times.
