Sun protection for early childhood services
Protecting children from over exposure to UV helps prevent skin cancer later in life.
Providing a sun-safe environment with plenty of shade and encouraging children to wear hats, covering clothing and sunscreen, helps set the foundation for lifelong health.
This health and wellbeing priority focuses on creating a whole service environment that prevents over-exposure to UV radiation
This priority helps to bring together existing sun protection actions. It complements the SunSmart program.
Sun Protection Action Table
This action table gives an example of how the Healthy Places Framework can be applied to Sun Protection in services.
Action area | Leadership and Commitment | Teaching & Learning | Physical Environment | Culture | Staff Wellbeing | Families & Community Engagement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Goal | There is strong leadership support and a shared commitment to a whole-service approach to sun protection. | Children develop sun protection knowledge and skills to consistently practice sun protective behaviours. | The built and natural environment supports sun protection throughout the day. | The service fosters attitudes, behaviours and values that support sun protection. | Staff have access to resources and support for their own sun protection practices. | The service engages, partners and collaborates with families, health services and community organisations to support sun protection practices. |
Example Actions | Consider environmental sustainability in the service’s approach to sun protection. Communicate the service’s commitment to sun protection with the service community. | Where applicable, incorporate child voice and agency in learning experiences related to sun protection. Support educators to build their capacity and confidence in sun protection education. | Incorporate shade and low UV reflective surfaces wherever possible in outdoor built and natural spaces to minimise UV exposure. Utilise shade in outdoor areas, whenever outside. | Ensure the dress code for children and staff aligns with SunSmart guidelines. Ensure staff role model sun protection behaviours. | Share evidence-based, culturally-appropriate and accessible information to staff about sun protection. Support staff to undertake sun protective practices. | Provide opportunities for families to be involved in the planning and delivery of sun protection activities. Share evidence-based, culturally-appropriate and accessible information to families about sun protection. |
Join today to see the full list of suggested actions, examples in practice and links to supporting programs and resources as outlined in the Sun Protection Whole-Service Action Guide.
The health and wellbeing priorities
The Healthy Places Framework helps early childhood services support all health and wellbeing priorities through a set of action guides. Six health and wellbeing priorities areas each have their own guide, and a flexible action guide is also available for any health area while still following the Framework.
