Sunscreen policy.

[megcleary]

Probably done to death I know but have just been to dds school where she will start in Sept.

Lots in the policies we have been given saying they will not apply sunscreen.

Now I know that it is probably due to numbers in the class but i think that is expecting too much of a 4 year old (& dd will just turn 4 end of august).

Will they just laugh at me if I challenge it?

As I said above, I had children both sides of this change in policy. Only 3 years ago, it was not a problem, and was the norm for school staff (TA in our case) to apply (labelled) sunscreen before the lunchtime break when the sun was strongest. Older children (KS2) applied their own.

It wasn't an impossibility or undue risk then. It isn't now, either. The Australian policies should be more widely followed, especially for caucasian children.

God I have the oposite problem with DD2, she comes home from nursery looking like she has had a bath in the suncream. All over her hair and clothes. They are probably over cautious and she s smothered in sun cream and have hats on when the weather can only be described as overcast!

At school DD1 has to apply it herself and the TA will point out any areas she has missed.

Verity, is that true? No sunhats and no shady areas? What on earth is their reason for no sunhats?

you could always go in at break times and apply cream yourself.

verity, the governors of the school have a legal duty to protect the heaalth and safety of your child by any mens practical. how is wearing sun hat impractical? write to the chai of the governors andask how they are fulfilling their legal duties?

RoadArt: Or do as I did (see my first post on this thread) and make a persuasive case to the staff, so they agree to reapplication.

I have two red heads with v. v. pale skin so sun protection is very important to them.

Our school expects children to be covered in sunscreen before they start the day at school and for that to last until home time. In the end I signed a medical form in order that my children could re-apply at the start of lunch time. I also sent in a long-sleeved, loose fitting cotton top for them to wear over their polo shirts for a little more protect.

I put Boots Once SPF50 on DS in the morning. It lasts 8 hours or something.

I put the Piz Buin Once on my two before they go to school, and thats fine

It would be interesting to know how many of the cases of melanoma are caused by increased use of sunbeds and by holidays in the tropics.

I do wonder how many cases are caused by being 41 deg N.

From Australian school:

The school requires students to wear broad brimmed or bucket style hats whenever they are outside.
? Staff are requested and encouraged to wear broad brimmed or bucket style hats when outside.
? Ensure that children without the appropriate hat are directed to play in an area that is protected from the sun - the under cover area. No SunSmart hat, no play.
? Encourage children with the daily application of sunscreen before school, and prior to the lunch break or any outdoor activity.
? Parents? written permission is required for early childhood staff to assist children with the application of sunscreen.
? Encourage children to use available shade for outdoor activities and play.
? Children will be encouraged to wear sun protective clothing, eg. Shirts with collar and sleeves, rash vests for swimming and faction t-shirts with UV rating.