Sun Safety
Staying safe in the sun
At our school, we want all children to enjoy the warmer weather safely. During the summer months, the sun’s rays can be particularly strong and children’s skin is especially sensitive.
By working together, staff, parents and pupils can help everyone stay healthy, hydrated and protected while enjoying outdoor learning and play.
Why sun safety matters
Too much exposure to the sun can damage skin and increase the risk of sunburn and dehydration. Children can become overheated more quickly than adults, which is why sun protection is so important.
Even on cloudy days, ultraviolet (UV) levels can still be high, so sun protection remains important throughout the summer.
Our sun safety rules
Wear a Hat
Children should bring a named sun hat to school during warm weather. Hats help protect the face, ears and neck from the sun.
Drink Plenty of Water
Children should bring a named water bottle to school every day. We encourage regular drinking throughout the day and remind children to stay hydrated.
Use Sunscreen
Parents are asked to apply sunscreen before children come to school. Children may bring clearly labelled sunscreen to reapply independently if they are able to do so.
Seek Shade
Children are encouraged to play and relax in shaded areas during hot weather. Outdoor activities may be adapted or moved to cooler areas when necessary.
Dress for the Weather
Lightweight clothing that covers shoulders helps protect skin from the sun.
These measures help children stay comfortable and safe while enjoying outdoor activities.
In extreme weather, children are asked not to wear hoodies, jogging bottoms, fleeces, sweaters, cardigans and ties and instead to wear t-shirts, shorts, summer dresses and light, cool clothing. NO flip flops, crop tops, strappy tops or football shirts please.
How parents can help
Parents and carers can support sun safety by:
- Applying sunscreen before school.
- Providing a named sun hat.
- Sending a filled water bottle each day.
- Talking to children about staying safe in the sun.
- Providing labelled sunscreen if children can apply it themselves.
Working together helps ensure that all children can enjoy the summer safely.
What we do in school
We help children learn about sun safety through:
- Classroom discussions and lessons.
- Assemblies during the summer term.
- Regular reminders about drinking water.
- Encouraging children to use shaded areas.
- Adjusting indoor and outdoor activities during particularly hot weather.
We also:
- Open all windows and doors to encourage a flow of cool air.
- Use blinds and reduce electric lighting to keep the classrooms cooler.
- Rotate classes in rooms with air-conditioning.
- Minimise activities involving physical exertion.
- In extremely hot weather, cancel PE lessons and clubs.
- Reduce children's exposure to the sun by staying inside and not going out for play.
Where possible, outdoor activities may be planned for cooler parts of the day.
Top Sun Safety Tips
☀️ Slip on a T-shirt that covers your shoulders.
🧴 Slop on sunscreen before school.
👒 Slap on a sun hat.
🌳 Seek shade when the sun is strongest.
💧 Sip water regularly throughout the day.
