Rationale

We have a responsibility as Teachers, Parents and Carers to ensure that our children grow up with sufficient knowledge of sun safety. We update our certificate of Accreditation each year, to ensure that Oakfield students are educated, reminded and informed about the dangers that too much sun/UV rays can cause. We want our young people to take their understanding and knowledge into adulthood, always remembering the importance of how to protect their own skin against sun burn.

The Importance of sun protection; some facts

Without adequate protection, a child’s delicate skin can burn within minutes, causing irreparable damage which can increase the risk of developing skin cancer in later life. Just one case of blistering sunburn in childhood/adolescence more than doubles the chance of developing melanoma in later life. By taking some simple and easy precautions we can greatly reduce a child's chance of ever developing skin cancer.

 

Oakfield’s Commitment to updating our certificate each year includes the following:

Ensure that our Sun Safe Policy is updated each year.

We regularly communicate with parents, information relating to Sun Safety.

We deliver an annual informative assembly as the weather becomes warmer.

Ensure that our learners have the shaded areas to use when outside.

We promote cross curriculum lessons and activities, providing fun and engaging ways to learn about sun safety.

Oakfield promote the message by including a Sun Safe activity week; linked to the annual assembly which encourages our young people to take part in a variety of competitions.

Promote and encourage learners to drink plenty of water.

5 steps to be a Sun Safe Superstar:

• Slip on a T-shirt – this is to keep shoulders covered, and to prevent them from burning.
• Slop on the sunscreen – apply a good quality sunscreen with an SPF 30+ with UVA protection prior to the start of the school day. Make sure it is labelled and in your school bag.
• Slap on a wide brimmed hat – to shade the ears, neck and face. Keep it in your school/college bag for any time spent outside.
• Slide on a pair of sunglasses – These will protect your eyes.
• Shade – seek shade during the hottest parts of the day; 11-3pm.

Let’s all stay safe and enjoy the sun.