OSHC Services

Being SunSmart means a balance between sun protection to lower the risk of skin cancer and sun exposure for the production and maintenance of vitamin D. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is both the major cause of skin cancer and the best natural source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for the development of strong bones and muscles.

UV radiation is an invisible source of radiation from the sun and unlike infrared radiation (heat) we cannot feel UV on our skin. UV levels are not dependent on weather conditions. You can get sun damage on windy, cloudy and cool days. Sun damage is caused by UV radiation, not temperature or sunshine.

Overexposure to UV radiation from the sun causes permanent skin damage, with childhood and adolescence being critical times when this exposure is more likely to contribute to skin cancer later in life, so it is important for children to be protected from overexposure to UV radiation.

SunSmart Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) and Vacation Care Program

A SunSmart OSHC and Vacation Care service has policy and practices in place that recognise the balance between sun protection to reduce the risk of skin damage and sun exposure for vitamin D production.

SunSmart is a free award program. SunSmart recognition is awarded for a three-year period and after which time it can be renewed.

Recommended sun protection policy implementation times for OSHC and Vacation Care are:

• Before school care: sun protection is not required, as the UV Index is rarely 3 and above at this time.
• During terms 1, 3 and 4 it is recommended to apply sunscreen to assist with sun protection for the remainder of the day (optional). If your OSHC service is at the same premise as the primary school, you may like to implement hat wearing before school to comply with the school’s policy.
• 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.

A SunSmart OSHC and Vacation Care service is one that:

• has a comprehensive sun protection policy that meets a minimum standard covering the areas of sun protective behaviour, outdoor activities and the environment
• provides, or is working towards, adequate shade facilities
• ensures children and staff are well protected when the UV radiation level is 3 and above, particularly during peak UV times of the day
• teaches, role models and reinforces positive sun protection behaviours
• agrees to undertake three-yearly policy reviews with Cancer Council SA to ensure policy and practice stay up to date with the national standard

SunSmart members highlight that key benefits include:

• demonstrating their commitment to the health and wellbeing of their children through a certificate and Cancer Council SA endorsement of their policy and practice
• better awareness and support of sun protection strategies in the community
• free teaching resources
• keeping up to date with the latest information and recommended practice
• special offers including 25% discount on sunscreen purchases

Contact SunSmart on 08 8291 4316 or email at sunsmart@cancersa.org.au.