Sun Safety at Three Trees Learning Centre
At Three Trees, we take sun safety seriously to protect the sensitive skin of our tamariki. With New Zealand’s intense UV radiation and the highest melanoma rates in the world, sun protection is essential, especially for young children. Teaching good sun safety habits early not only prevents sunburn but also reduces the risk of skin cancer later in life.
Why Sun Safety Matters
New Zealand’s UV radiation levels are among the highest globally, even on cloudy or cool days. Exposure to UV rays during childhood significantly increases the risk of skin cancer in adulthood, making early prevention vital. By creating a sun-safe environment and teaching tamariki sun-smart habits, we’re setting them up for a healthier future.
How We Stay Sun Safe
Shade First We ensure our outdoor spaces have plenty of shade, including trees, shade sails, and covered areas. Outdoor activities are planned for times when UV levels are lower, avoiding peak sunlight hours. Babies under six months, whose skin is particularly sensitive, are always kept in shaded areas.
Hats Are a Must Wide-brimmed or bucket hats are part of our daily routine. These hats provide critical protection for the face, neck, and ears, which are highly susceptible to sunburn.
Sunscreen Daily We re-apply a SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen to tamariki in the middle of the day.
Protective Clothing Loose-fitting clothing that covers the skin is encouraged, such as long-sleeved tops, long shorts, and rash vests for water play. These items provide excellent protection from UV rays.
Year-Round Vigilance In New Zealand, UV levels can be high even outside summer, so we practice sun safety year-round. Tamariki are encouraged to wear hats and sunscreen throughout the year, making these habits second nature.
Leading by Example
Children learn by watching those around them. At Three Trees, our kaiako model sun-safe behaviors by wearing hats, protective clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses while outdoors. When tamariki see adults taking sun safety seriously, they’re more likely to adopt these habits themselves.
Teaching Sun Safety Through Play
We incorporate sun safety education into daily activities and learning programmes. Fun, interactive resources—such as those from the Cancer Society’s SunSmart programme—help tamariki understand why they need to slip, slop, slap, and wrap. By weaving these lessons into play, sun protection becomes a natural part of their routine.
Building a Sun-Safe Future
By prioritizing sun safety and fostering lifelong habits, we can protect our tamariki from harmful UV radiation. Together, we’re equipping the next generation with the knowledge and tools to stay safe in the sun, reducing the risk of skin cancer in the future.
Let’s keep our tamariki safe while they play, learn, and grow.
Remember: Slip, Slop, Slap, and Wrap – because sun safety is a commitment for life!
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