Protecting children and your reputation from sun damage - your Sunguarding Checklist

By The Melanoma Fund

You’re committed to creating safe, enriching environments for children to learn, move and thrive, but could a blind spot in your sun safety strategy be putting more than just wellbeing at risk?

As awareness of sun exposure grows, so do expectations from parents and the public. When sunburn happens under your watch, it’s not just skin that’s damaged, it’s your reputation.

With spring upon us and outdoor activity season in full swing, now is the perfect time to reassess your provision. 

Are your sun safety measures consistent, effective, and aligned with current best practice, for both the children in your care and your team?

To support this, we’re delighted to announce a new collaboration with the Melanoma Fund, the charity behind the term Sunguarding - the essential practice of UV protection in sport and outdoor recreation.

Why sun protection matters

Children’s skin is more delicate, vulnerable, and less able to repair UV damage than adults. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood can double the risk of melanoma later in life. Skin cancer is the UK's most prevalent cancer, and rates are rising faster than ever.

With much of your delivery taking place outdoors, it’s essential to lead the way, embedding daily sun safety habits into your outdoor sessions, and showing families that your duty of care includes Sunguarding skin.

Your Sunguarding checklist

Practical ways to protect children — and your staff — this summer:

• Support your staff with a clear sun protection policy and ensure consistent adherence.

• Use the UV Index as your guide for sun protection — it’s more reliable than the weather forecast.

• Encourage children to wear wide-brimmed hats and protective rash vests for full coverage.

• Ask parents to apply SPF30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen before drop-off for optimal protection.

• Show children how to reapply sunscreen after breaks or water play to ensure continuous protection.

• Create shaded areas for rest, snacks, and outdoor learning to provide a break from direct sun.

• Set a positive example by ensuring staff are visibly applying sunscreen as well.

Next steps

The Melanoma Fund offers free, practical resources designed for outdoor activity providers — including clubs, camps, after-school and holiday schemes:

Outdoor Kids Sun Safety Code

A free campaign with practical guidance for KS2 children and those who care for them. Includes downloadable posters, templates, a fun quiz, and key messages for staff and parents. Sign up and receive your accreditation certificate and sticker. VISIT: https://melanoma-fund.co.uk/ok-sun-safety-code/

Sunguarding: Sun & heat protection course 

A free, CPD-accredited online course (2 hours) covering UV risk and skin cancer awareness. Perfect for coaches, educators, and outdoor teams. Offers 3 CIMSPA points and a certificate of completion.  VISIT: https://melanoma-fund.co.uk/sun-and-heat-protection-course/

Together, we can create a new standard in sun safety — one that protects children, your reputation, empowers staff, and gives families peace of mind.