National Law, Regulations and Quality Areas
Over-exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in childhood is a major risk factor for developing skin cancer later in life. By teaching sensible sun protection habits from an early age and implementing best-practice sun protection measures, early childhood education and care, services can play a significant role toward reducing the life time risk of skin cancer.
Using Cancer Council ACT's SunSmart recommendations will help local services meet National Law, Regulations and Quality Areas.
Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010, Section 167 – protection from harm and hazards
Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011:
- Regulation 113 – Outdoor space - natural environment
- Regulation 114 – Outdoor space - shade
- Regulation 168 – Policies and procedures (2)(a)(ii) – sun protection
SunSmart Recommendations For the ACT
Cancer Council ACT SunSmart recommendations for early childhood services include:
- minimising outdoor experiences and activities between 11am and 3pm during the summer/daylight saving period
- adopt a combination of sun protection behaviours when UV levels reach 3 and above
- shade
- hats (not caps)
- clothing that covers skin
- sunscreen
- babies
- role modeling
- education and information
- Work Health and Safety
- policy availability
- policy review at least every 3 years
All of these SunSmart recommendations link to Quality Area 2 – Children’s health and safety, and satisfy the following Standards and Elements:
- Standard 2.1: Each child’s health is promoted
- Element 2.1.1: Each child’s health needs are supported
- Standard 2.3: Each child is protected
- Element 2.3.2: Every reasonable precaution is taken to protect children from harm and any hazard likely to cause injury
However, using Cancer Council’s SunSmart recommendations will also enable your service to make the following additional Quality Area links, and strengthen its meeting of the National Regulations and Standards.
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SunSmart Recommendation
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Quality Area
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Shade
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QA3: Physical environment
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Standard 3.1: The design and location of the premises is appropriate for the operation of a service. Element 3.1.1: Outdoor and indoor spaces, buildings, furniture, equipment, facilities and resources are suitable for their purpose. Element 3.1.2: Premises, furniture and equipment are safe, clean and well maintained. Standard 3.2: The environment is inclusive, promotes competence, independent exploration and learning through play. Element 3.2.1: Outdoor and indoor spaces are designed and organised to engage every child in quality experiences in both built and natural environments. |
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Role Modelling
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QA5: Relationships with children
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Standard 5.1 Respectful and equitable relationships are developed and maintained with each child. 5.1.2: Every child is able to engage with educators in meaningful, open interactions that support the acquisition of skills for life and learning. |
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Education & Information |
QA1: Educational program and practice |
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Standard 1.1: An approved learning framework informs the development of a curriculum that enhances each child’s learning and development. Element 1.1.1: Curriculum decision making contributes to each child’s learning and development outcomes in relation to their identity, connection with community, wellbeing, confidence as learners and effectiveness as communicators. Element 1.1.3: The program, including routines, is organised in ways that maximise opportunities for each child’s learning. |
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Communication & Policy Availability |
QA6: Collaborative partnerships with families and communities |
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Standard 6.2: Families are supported in their parenting role and their values and beliefs about childrearing are respected. Element 6.2.2: Current information is available to families about community services and resources to support parenting and family well being. Standard 6.3: The service collaborates with other organizations and service providers to enhance children’s learning and wellbeing. Element 6.3.1: Links with relevant community and support agencies are established and maintained. |
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Policy Review
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QA 7: Leadership and service management |
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Standard 7.1: Effective leadership promotes a positive organsiational culture and builds a professional learning community. Element 7.1.2: The induction of educators, co-ordinators and staff members, including relief educators, is comprehensive. Standard 7.3: Administrative systems enable the effective management of a quality service. 7.3.5: Service practices are based on effectively documented policies and procedures that are available at the service and reviewed regularly. |
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