Early Years' healthy sun safety achievement

Published on 07 August 2020

Gannawarra Shire Council’s early childhood services have been recognised for their ongoing commitment to sun protection through the Victorian Healthy Early Childhood Services Achievement Program.

Cohuna Pre-School, Gannawarra Shire Children’s Centre, Gannawarra Family Day Care Service and Koondrook Pre-School have all recently been awarded for supporting SunSmart principles and creating environments and behaviours that prevent over-exposure to UV radiation. The Shire’s fifth early childhood service, Leitchville Pre-School was recognised in the Sun Protection priority area in 2018.

“This achievement demonstrates the commitment of Council, educators and parents to all work together to ensure that our children have the best possible start to their education journey in the Gannawarra,” Council’s Director of Community Wellbeing, Stacy Williams said.

“Each service has a long-term commitment to being SunSmart and implementing measures to protect children from sun exposure, including wearing hats and sunscreen when outdoors and providing shaded play spaces.”

In addition, all five services are recognised as being Cancer Council Victoria and VicHealth SunSmart services. SunSmart accreditation ensures that each service has a sun protection policy that meets SunSmart guidelines and recommendations to reduce skin cancer risk.

Pre-School Educational Leader, Kim Mason said that protecting children from the sun was important while continuing to ensure that children enjoy time playing and exploring the outdoors.

“Getting plenty of sunshine is important for health and wellbeing; not just for children, but for adults as well,” Ms Mason said.

“Our early childhood services encourage children to be outdoors learning about their environment and interacting positively with their peers.

“Recognition in the Sun Protection priority area demonstrates that our services have met the highest standard for ensuring that children are protected from the sun while enjoying the great outdoors.”

Achievement of the state-wide Early Childhood Services Achievement Program forms part of the Gannawarra Shire Council Plan 2017-2021.

“Council congratulates the staff, educators, families, children and the wider community who dedicated their time to put measures in place to achieve the Sun Protection priority area, and for continued efforts to ensure that our youngest residents are provided with the best possible start to life,” Mrs Williams said.