Dear Parents / Carers,

We are pleased to inform you that St. Joseph's RC Primary School are renewing our annual Sun Safe Schools accreditation which demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the health and wellbeing of your child(ren) during school hours.

Whilst we recognise that some sun is good for us, Sun Safety is an important health and safety issue. Children spend almost half their childhood at school, with a great deal of time spent outdoors. During the warmer months of the year children are exposed to Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) from the sun, the majority of which is when penetration is strongest (between 11am and 3pm). Without adequate protection, a child's delicate skin can easily burn, this can cause cumulative and irreparable damage that can significantly increase their risk of developing skin cancer in later life.

Whilst skin cancer remains the UK's most common and fastest rising cancer, the good news is that it is almost entirely preventable (around 90% of cases!) and with parental support, simple steps can be undertaken to ensure that your child is protected, can enjoy the sun safely and learn to develop healthy lifestyle choices.

Please take the time to read through our Sun Protection Policy which is available to view online via the following link: https://www.sunsafeschools.co.uk/school/7346

This policy demonstrates our commitment to providing a Sun Safe environment, protective measures and education.

Parental support will play a vital role in our efforts to implement effective control measures, particularly with the provision of suitable sunscreen and sun hats. In-line with our Sun Protection Policy we ask that parents ensure their child(ren) are equipped with a suitable sun hat and sunscreen that are clearly labelled with your child's name and brought to, or kept at school from April through to the end of September for use/application when required. They need to be clearly labelled with the child’s name and given to the class teacher. Children will apply the suncream themselves, under the supervision of a member of staff at St Joseph's.

Sun hats should be either broad-brimmed (bucket style) or legionnaire to shade the face, neck, ears and cheeks, with their name labelled on it. We recommend that sunscreens have a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30, be 'broad-spectrum' (to provide both UVA and UVB protection) and, if labelled with a UVA star rating, carry a minimum of 4 stars.

Please make sure that all children bring to school a full, fresh and clearly labelled water bottle.

Guidance and practical advice about the risks associated with UVR and the prevention and early detection of skin cancer is available to download via the link provided to our Sun Protection Policy above.

Thank you for your valued support.

St. Joseph's RC Primary School

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