SUN SAFETY EDUCATION AND SAFEGUARDING IN SCHOOLS - GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES
Government guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) requires schools to teach pupils about the benefits and risks of sun exposure as part of the statutory Health Education curriculum. This includes helping children understand how to protect their skin and reduce the risk of sun damage and skin cancer. Schools are also expected to take practical steps to safeguard pupils when UV levels are high, such as encouraging the use of hats, shade and SPF30+ sunscreen.
The NICE guidelines for skin cancer prevention make it clear that children should never be allowed to burn and recommend that schools develop a policy on how to protect children when they are outside for more than a brief period in strong sunlight.
Alongside teaching pupils about sun safety, schools also play an important role in protecting children from excessive sun exposure during the school day. By recognising UV exposure as a health and safety consideration and implementing a sun safety policy, schools can help safeguard pupils from sun damage that can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.
THE SUN SAFE SCHOOLS ACCREDITATION FRAMEWORK ALIGNS EDUCATION AND SAFEGUARDING STANDARDS
The Sun Safe Schools four-step accreditation framework supports curriculum-linked learning, policy development, staff engagement and community awareness—aligning sun safety prevention with education and safeguarding standards.
Built on best practice and over 14 years’ experience, the programme promotes a whole-school and wider-community approach to sun safety and skin cancer prevention, recognising 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.
BASED ON BEST PRACTICE AND PROVEN SUCCESS
THE ACCREDITATION – AT A GLANCE
- 4 simple steps to complete
- No cost to join
- Minimal teacher preparation required
- PSHE curriculum-linked resources for KS1 & KS2
- Whole-school assembly included
- Sun protection policy builder provided
- Supports DfE Health Education guidance
- Recognised annual school accreditation
- Based on best practice
- Trusted by schools with proven success
- Thousands of testimonials
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
PHOTO CREDIT:
Chuter Ede Primary School, Nottingham - delivering their Sun Safe Schools Assembly
