THE SUN SAFE SCHOOLS 4-STEP ACCREDITATION FRAMEWORK
The Sun Safe Schools programme provides primary schools with a simple, effective framework for embedding sun safety education, sun protection policy and practical sun-safe behaviours across the whole school community. Through four clear steps, schools can deliver PSHE curriculum-linked sun safety learning, develop a tailored sun protection policy, engage parents and promote healthy habits—supporting a whole-school approach to sun protection that helps build a lasting culture of sun-safe behaviour and protects children now and in the future.
STEP 1: SUN PROTECTION POLICY
Create a tailored Sun Protection Policy for your school quickly and easily using our online policy builder.
The system guides schools through a series of clearly defined sections, supported by rationale, key recommendations and mandatory elements, ensuring policies align with best practice sun safety guidance and education and safeguarding standards.
Schools then download their Sun Safety Policy to share with staff and parents, clearly outlining how sun protection will be promoted across the school day and how the school manages UV exposure to safeguard pupils’ health and wellbeing.
STEP 2: COLLABORATION WITH PARENTS
Download your personalised letter and sun safety information to share with parents alongside your Sun Protection Policy.
Engaging parents is a vital part of promoting sun-safe behaviours in children. Their support in helping manage sun protection during the school day is essential for building consistent sun-safe habits across the whole school community.
Sharing a clear sun safety policy and supportive information with parents reinforces the school’s expectations and key messages, encouraging sun-safe habits at home and raising awareness of skin cancer prevention across the wider school community.
STEP 3: WHOLE-SCHOOL ASSEMBLY
Launch your whole-school sun safety journey with an engaging assembly for KS1 and KS2 pupils.
A whole-school assembly is the perfect way to introduce sun safety, setting the foundation for a school-wide approach that helps pupils understand how to stay safe in the sun. It provides the ideal starting point for exploring the wide range of sun safety lesson plans, activities and teaching resources available through the Sun Safe Schools programme.
Schools can choose from two assembly options: a traditionally led presentation or our brand-new plug-and-play assembly, requiring no preparation and expertly hosted by Solar and the Sun Safe Squad.
STEP 4: KS1 & KS2 SUN SAFETY LESSONS
Reinforce and build pupils knowledge of UV, sun safety and skin cancer prevention with individual class lessons.
Following completion of steps 1-3, schools gain access to a comprehensive range of PSHE curriculum-linked sun safety lesson plans, worksheets, activities and teaching resources for KS1 and KS2 pupils. These ready-to-use resources help teachers introduce and reinforce key concepts such as UV radiation, the importance of sun protection and the Five S Golden Rules of Sun Safety.
All sun safety teaching resources provided have been developed to bring learning to life in a fun and engaging way, building pupils’ knowledge and confidence from Reception through to Year 6.
ACCREDITATION CERTIFICATION
Once the four steps are completed, you receive your Sun Safe Schools Certificate of Accreditation.
Gaining the Sun Safe Schools Accreditation is an achievement to be proud of recognising your schools’ commitment to three key pillars that support education and safeguarding standards:
1) PROTECTION: providing an environment that enables children and staff to stay safe in the sun.
2) EDUCATION: learning about sun safety to increase knowledge and influence behaviour.
3) COLLABORATION: working with parents, the management structure and the wider community to reinforce awareness about sun safety and skin cancer prevention.
ACCREDITATION ANNUAL RENEWAL
Accreditations are valid for one year and can be easily renewed via your Sun Safe Schools login.
Annual renewal helps maintain momentum, strengthen policy and reinforce sun-safe behaviours with existing pupils, while introducing sun safety to new members of the school community.
Renewal can be easily achieved by revisiting the simple 4-step Sun Safe Schools accreditation framework to:
- Review your Sun Protection Policy
- Reinforce collaboration with parents and wider school community
- Host your annual assembly
- Introduce and develop children’s knowledge with our wide range of KS1 & KS2 teaching resources for reception through to year 6
PROVEN SUCCESS – SCHOOL TESTIMONIAL
“Being part of the annual Sun Safe Schools accreditation programme has had a profound influence on our school community. Achieving accreditation as a Sun Safe School has played a pivotal role in shaping children’s behaviour towards sun safety. The programme has effectively raised awareness amongst students, instilling in them the significance of adopting sun protection measures in their daily routines.
Collaborating with parents through this initiative has proven to be instrumental in garnering their whole-hearted support and expanding awareness across the wider school community. This partnership with parents has facilitated a holistic approach towards reinforcing sun safety practices within the school environment.
The benefits of our accreditation have been far-reaching, positively impacting the entire school. Our participation in the programme has further solidified our dedication to sun protection, education, and collaborative efforts. The resources provided by the programme have been invaluable assets, bolstering our capacity to effectively promote sun safety practices and drive collaboration amongst stakeholders.
In summary, our school’s engagement in the Sun Safe Schools accreditation programme has not only culminated in us attaining accredited status but has also enriched our school ethos with a pervasive culture of unwavering sun safety awareness and commitment.”
St. Joseph’s RC Primary School, Glamorgan
