The Preschool is committed to ensuring that all children are fully protected from the damages of too much sun.  Severe sunburn in childhood can lead to the development of malignant melanoma (the most dangerous type of skin cancer) in later life.

The following procedures are for the prevention and care of children in the sun: 

• Children must have a clearly marked sun hat to be worn outside
• Children must have their own sun block cream named and dated with written consent for staff to apply- parents of morning children are reminded to apply before bringing their child to preschool. This will then be reapplied at lunchtime if they are at preschool all day. Afternoon only children must come into preschool with suncream already applied before the session.
• Children need to wear light weight cotton clothing suitable for the sun 
• Children are offered cooler water more frequently throughout the day and reminded to drink more often. Staff will monitor how much fluids children are drinking. 
• Children will be encouraged to take part in activities to be educated about keeping safe in the sun.

Parents sign to say that the suncream can be reapplied at lunchtime by a member of staff. If a child is dropped off without a hat, water bottle or suncream applied then parents are asked to return with the items as soon as possible whilst their child will not be able to attend.

If parents choose for their child to not wear sun cream, they must sign a declaration at preschool stating this is their choice.

For children of a very young age, they are unable to regulate their body temperature in ways to cool themselves down so it is important that all staff to be vigilant with the children in their care. Staff will take children’s temperature if they feel it is needed and encourage them to remove layers of clothing if they need to. 

There is always a Paediatric First Aider in preschool that would follow relevant first aid procedures if needed. 

Calpol is kept in a locked cupboard and parents sign on their child’s Entry Profile that in the event of an emergency where their child’s temperature was extremely high, we would call them and administer this medication. 

Heat Exhaustion- A child may become pale, have sweaty skin, sickness, child may say they feel ‘cold’ but are hot to touch. 

Staff would remove excess clothing and lay the child down. The child will be encouraged to drink water or squash. Parents would be asked to collect the child immediately. 

Heat Stroke– A child may have a high temperature, be confused, have a headache, flushed, hot, dry skin (No sweating). Staff would call 999 immediately and cool the child down as rapidly as possible. Parents would be contacted.