It is important that parents, staff and pupils work together to ensure that we can all enjoy the sun safely over the summer months.  The sun’s rays are particularly strong over the summer and they can damage children’s skin. Dehydration and over-exposure to sunlight can cause huge health worries which we would like to avoid.  Your child’s health and wellbeing are very important to us and Sun Safety is something that we take seriously at Westbury Park School. 

As a school we regularly talk to children about the importance of being safe in the sun during lessons and assemblies.  

 

 

Your support is very important

 

You can help by:

• Talking to your child about the importance of sun protection and teaching them to apply their own sunscreen.

• Sending your child into school with a named sunhat (wide brimmed sun hats are best).  

• Applying a high factor sun cream (at least SPF 30) to your child before sending them to school.  

• Providing your child with a named sun screen stick. This will be left at school and staff will supervise application at the beginning of lunchtime.

• Ensuring your child brings a large water bottle to school and encourage them to drink plenty of water – we will remind them too!

With your help, we can keep everyone happy and safe in the sun!

 

 

Why is sun protection important for children and young people?

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The number of cases of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer is rising at an alarming rate.  The good news is that the majority of these cases could be prevented.  Most skin cancers are caused by too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.  If we protect ourselves from overexposure to the sun then we can reduce our risk. This is particularly important for children and young people whose skin is more delicate and easily damaged.

 

 

What about vitamin D?

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We all need some sun to make enough vitamin D.  Enjoying the sun safely, while taking care not to burn, should help most people get a good balance without any risk.