SunSmart School Accreditation Application Form (Primary Schools)

 

This application form is for post-primary schools to be accredited to become a SunSmart School and received a SunSmart Schools Accreditation Certificate. By submitting the completed checklist to the HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) will assess if your school can be awarded to be a SunSmart School.

The checklist below assist schools to become a SunSmart School. It is a list of potential SunSmart activities, you can choose which works for your school or add any other activities your school is implementing. The checklist provides a list of suggested strategies for the school community to implement.

Minimum criteria for SunSmart Schools Accreditation is 5 or more strategies are fully implemented by the school.

1. School Name and address *

 

2. Contact Name and position *

 

3. Phone Number *

 

4. Email Address *

 

Criteria to become a SunSmart School
5 strategies listed below are required to be fully implemented in order to be considered for a SunSmart School accreditation

5. Outdoor Activities
Have you implemented any of the below strategies relating to outdoor activities? *

Not startedIn progressFully implemented 
Outdoor activities are scheduled outside of high UV radiation times where possible, between 11am to 3pm, from April to June and September during school days
When the UV index is 3 or above for school activities outdoors, excursions, sports days and interschool sports events UV radiation protection strategies (hats, clothing, shade, and sunscreen) are included.
The UV index is checked daily between April to September (while school is open) and communicated to the school community if the UV index is 3 or above.
 

6. Shade
Have you implemented any of the below strategies relating to shade? *

Not startedIn progressFully implemented
An assessment of existing shade is conducted regularly to review the quality and availability of shade.
Staff and student are encouraged to use available areas of shade when outside, especially when the sun’s UV rays are strongest, typically between 11am-3pm from April to September.
 

7. Clothing
Have you implemented any of the below strategies relating to clothing? *

Not startedIn progressFully implemented
Uniforms encourage covering skin for sun protection i.e. wide brimmed hat, long sleeves.
Staff and students are encouraged to wear a hat that protects their face ears and neck where appropriate when outside (wide-brimmed, bucket or legionnaire style)
Where practical, students are encouraged to wear close-fitting, wrap-around sunglasses and cover as much of the eye area as possible. Choose glasses that block 100% of UV rays (UVA and UVB) and carry the CE mark.
 

8. Sunscreen
Have you implemented any of the below strategies relating to sunscreen? *

Not started In progressFully implemented 
Communication to parents about students applying sunscreen before school occurs, regularly.
Students are encouraged to bring their own sunscreen from home and reapply regularly themselves.
Parents of young primary school students are reminded to apply sunscreen to their child before school.
If schools have decided to supply sunscreen SPF50+ broad-spectrum (protection against UVA/UVB), water-resistant sunscreen is available for students to use at various points throughout the school.
Students are reminded to reapply sunscreen at school and during extended outdoor activities.
 

9. Education and Awareness Raising
Have you implemented any of the below strategies relating to education and awareness raising? *

Not startedIn progressFully implemented
The school commits to delivering SunSmart Primary School Lesson plans.
Sun safety education will be integrated into the curriculum where relevant e.g. TY projects, BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition
Posters promoting SunSmart behaviours are visible throughout the school.
Students are encouraged to be involved in initiatives to promote and model sun protection measures at the school including taking leadership roles in managing sun protection for the whole school community.
Communication about being SunSmart occurs regularly e.g. newsletters, intranet, at school assembly.
 

10. School Community Engagement
Have you implemented any of the below strategies relating to school community engagement? *

Not startedIn progressFully implemented
School staff role model SunSmart behaviours.
Designate at least one SunSmart Champion (staff and/or students) to inform about and encourage school-wide SunSmart behaviour.
 

11. Does your school have a current written sun protection policy/procedure/charter? *

 

12. Does your Principal / School Community review (or will review if new document) the sun protection policy/procedure/charter at least once every 3 years? *

 

13. Have you emailed a copy of your schools’ SunSmart Charter to prevention@cancercontrol.ie? Please note this is required in order to complete the accreditation process *