Why Being SunSmart Matters in Childcare

Photo by Ritam Baishya on Unsplash

In Australia, spending time outdoors is such an important part of childhood. Outdoor play encourages physical activity, creativity, confidence, exploration, and connection with nature. At our centre, we strongly value outdoor learning and believe children should have the opportunity to explore and play outside every day.

At the same time, we also recognise the importance of protecting children from harmful UV exposure. Young children have delicate skin, and sun safety habits developed early in life can help reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer later on.

That’s why being a SunSmart service is something we take seriously.

What Does Being SunSmart Mean?

Being SunSmart means creating a safe outdoor environment where children can enjoy all the benefits of outdoor play while being protected from the sun.

Sun safety is part of our daily routine and embedded into the way we plan our environment, experiences, and practices.

How We Achieve SunSmart Practices

Protective Clothing

Children are encouraged to wear clothing that protects their skin, including:

• Sleeved shirts

• Longer style clothing where practical

• Broad-brimmed or bucket hats that shade the face, neck, and ears

Educators also role model sun safe behaviours by wearing appropriate hats and protective clothing outdoors.

SPF 50+ Sunscreen

We provide SPF 50+ sunscreen and apply it before outdoor play times. Educators support children in learning how to apply sunscreen and developing independence with their self-care routines where appropriate.

Reapplying sunscreen throughout the day is also an important part of our practice, especially during extended outdoor play.

Outdoor Shade Areas

Creating shaded outdoor spaces is another important way we protect children from direct sun exposure.

Our outdoor environment includes:

• Covered play spaces

• Thoughtful planning of outdoor setups to maximise shaded play opportunities

• Access to water for water play, keeping cool and rehydrating

We regularly assess our outdoor spaces to ensure children can comfortably and safely engage in outdoor learning.

Planning Outdoor Play Carefully

We are mindful of UV levels and plan our outdoor experiences accordingly. During higher UV periods, we aim to:

• Use shaded spaces more frequently

• Balance active and quiet outdoor play

• Offer indoor/outdoor options

• Ensure children remain hydrated throughout the day

Sun safety is not about keeping children indoors — it’s about helping them safely enjoy the outdoors.

Teaching Lifelong Habits

One of the most important parts of being SunSmart is helping children build healthy habits from a young age.

Through everyday routines, conversations, books, role modelling, and group discussions, children begin to understand:

• Why we wear hats

• Why sunscreen is important

• How to care for their bodies

• How to stay safe in the sun

These small daily routines help build lifelong awareness and healthy choices.

A Safe Environment for Learning and Play

We believe children learn best when they can freely explore, move, create, and connect with the world around them. By embedding SunSmart practices into our daily routines, we can provide a safe and supportive environment where children can confidently enjoy all the benefits of outdoor play.

Because childhood should be full of sunshine, exploration, and adventure — safely.