The Need for Shade in the Playground

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The Need for Shade in the Playground

Protecting children from the sun is increasingly crucial, given the ongoing research highlighting the dangers of overexposure. A recent article emphasised that excessive sun exposure between the ages of 0-15 significantly increases the risk of major health issues later in life.

This emerging information underscores the importance of effective sun protection, not just for today but for the future. The National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence (NICE) issued a skin cancer prevention guidance document in 2011, which advises:

“Aim to prevent children and young people from getting sunburnt by encouraging them to seek shade whenever possible. When it is not possible, they should be encouraged to wear hats, other clothing, and sunscreen to protect themselves. Policies should also encourage parents to provide their children with sunscreen.”

To ensure the safety of pupils, schools and nurseries can implement three main strategies:

Sunscreen: Encourage parents to apply sunscreen to their children before dropping them off at school. This prevents potential claims of child abuse and ensures children are protected from the start of the day.
Sun Hats: Require all children to bring suitable sun hats to school and nursery to protect their heads and faces from direct sunlight.
Canopies and Shade Sails: Invest in shade and shelter structures for your premises. Many canopies and shade sails offer high UV protection, allowing children to play and learn outside without the need for sunscreen and hats. Although this is the most costly option, it saves time and reduces the complications associated with applying sunscreen to children.

For additional resources, Cancer Research UK provides excellent sun protection materials for schools and nurseries:

Sun Protection Policies:
Nursery Schools & Pre-Schools
Primary Schools
Secondary Schools

Sun Protection Pack:

Download a fun and educational Sun Protection Pack from Cancer Research UK. This pack encourages children to understand the importance of sun safety and includes:

A poster to promote being “sunsmart”
An assembly plan plan to create a “sunsmart” assembly
Two lesson plans plans to educate students about sun protection

By implementing these measures, schools and nurseries can create a safer outdoor environment, ensuring that children are protected from the harmful effects of the sun.

Able Canopies Ltd. design, manufacture and install canopies and shade structures at schools, nurseries and educational settings to enable year-round Free Flow Outdoor Play and Outdoor Learning.
For more information please contact us

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The Need for Shade in the Playground

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