We have the majority of sun exposure when we are children and a significant amount of that exposure will be during school time. We believe we have a responsibility to ensure that pupils are protected from the harmful effects of the sun as musch as possible during the school day.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and the number is rising at an alarming rate. However, this is largely a preventable illness caused by exposure to UV radiation. Where children are protected, and protect themselves, from the sun they are more likely to reduce their risk of illness. Sun burn in children can double the risk of skin cancer and whilst the problems are not immediately apparent they are likely to occur in adulthood. It is Chesswood School’s intention to promote sun safety in partnership with the whole school community in order that children may live healthy lives.

As a ‘healthy school’ we are keen to ensure all children

• are provided with the knowledge about the potential harmful effects of the sun and the confidence to undertake simple precautions independently.
• are provided with an environment that is ‘Sun aware’ where staff actively promote sun safety – including the arrangement of activities and role modelling good ‘sun safe’ practice.
• have school premises that can enable them to be protected from harmful UV radiation.