Thursday 26 May 2016

Peak Pre School Completes Step 1 towards becoming a Sun Safe Nursery - Sun Hats, Sunscreen & Role Models

Congratulations to Peak Pre School for issuing Sun Safety Fact Sheets to all their pupils. Peak Pre School has also pledged to keep sun hats and sunscreen available for all their children and to act as role models with regard to sun safety:

“We have stored all signed sun safety letters in each child's individual folders, we have also got copies ready to give to new children when they start.”

(Jessica Lathwood - Peak Pre School)

“We have legionnaire style hats available for all children to wear, we also have a pre school sun cream which is fact 50+ (very high) with four UVA stars. All staff also wear appropriate sun cream and sun hats (caps or floppy hats) ”

(Jessica Lathwood - Peak Pre School)

Wednesday 25 May 2016

Our Charity Ambassador Lisa Guthrie

Skin cancer victim is urging children to stay safe in the sun

Published by Northern Echo 24 May.


Harley Guthrie, nine, with his mam, Lisa Guthrie, and eight-year-old Scarlett Malone
Harley Guthrie, nine, with his mam, Lisa Guthrie, and eight-year-old Scarlett Malone
  
A MOTHER who was diagnosed with skin cancer has launched a campaign to warn youngsters of the dangers of the sun’s rays.
Lisa Guthrie, 35, from Consett, County Durham, who used to use a sun bed when she was a teenager, was diagnosed with malignant melanoma and is now in remission.
The mother-of-two, who was made an ambassador by Skcin, the national skin cancer charity, last year, gave a special assembly at St Mary’s Primary School, in Blackhill, where her nine year son, Harley, is a pupil.

Ms Guthrie, who used to visit a tanning salon up to four times a week, said: “Now I absolutely detest sunbeds. It was something I was into when I was younger, but what a lot of people do not understand is if you have even used them when you are a teenager you have damaged your skin. It catches up with you in later life.
“I am putting all of my efforts into raising awareness and the start of summer is a good time to do that.
“People need to know about looking after their skin at an early age.”
As part of the Sun Safe Schools Campaign for the North-East, Ms Guthrie will be visiting other schools in the region so they can earn the charity’s Sun Safe schools accreditation.
Ms Guthrie said: “The sun safe schools accreditation is so important to educate our kids.
“With 80 per cent of skin cancers are caused by over exposure to UV so in effect is very preventable, if we educate from a young age we can help save lives and this achieves cultural change that we all need to be safe in the sun.
“One blistering sunburn in childhood can double chances of skin cancer later in life.
“Children spend almost half their childhood at schools and with 8hrs a week spent outdoors, children are an “at risk” group.
“Schools and the parents have a duty of care to ensure our children are protected during the school day.”
The first ten primary schools in the North East to complete their Sun Safe Accreditation and send in a ‘Sun Safe Superstars Video’ about the scheme and what they have learned will win a Sun Station with mirror, UV dial, Sunscreen dispenser, quality SPF 30 Sunscreen, plus a George the Sun Safe Superstar Board Game.
For more information about the scheme and the competition log onto: www.sunsafesschools.co.uk




Tuesday 24 May 2016

St Mary's RC Primary School Completes Step 4 towards becoming a Sun Safe School - Lesson Plan

Congratulations to St Mary's RC Primary School for carrying out the ‘George the Sun Safe Superstar’ Lesson Plan.

Lesson Plan photo submitted by St Mary's RC Primary School

“The children were very enthusiastic about the Sun Safe activities; the on-going work in relation to staying safe will be proudly displayed within school!”

(David Miller - St Mary's RC Primary School)

Congratulations to St Mary's Rc Primary School who have just renewed their Sun Safe Schools Accreditation.

Skcin are pleased to announce that St Mary's Rc Primary School in County Durham have renewed their Sun Safe Schools Accreditation. The accreditation has been awarded to the school as they have completed the necessary steps to ensure their pupils and employees are educated on the importance of sun safety and that a suitable sun safe environment and policy is put in place and reviewed annually.

Skcin’s Sun Safe Schools, Sun Safe Nurseries and Sun Safe Workplaces national accreditation schemes are dedicated to educating at risk groups and future generations on the importance of sun safety to prevent skin cancer and promote early detection of the disease.

Bel Royal Primary School Completes Step 4 towards becoming a Sun Safe School - Lesson Plan

Congratulations to Bel Royal Primary School for carrying out the ‘George the Sun Safe Superstar’ Lesson Plan.

Lesson Plan photo submitted by Bel Royal Primary School

“”

(Tony Hoyland - Bel Royal Primary School)

Etching Hill Primary Completes Step 1 towards becoming a Sun Safe School - Sun Hats, Sunscreen & Role Models

Congratulations to Etching Hill Primary for issuing letters and Sun Safety leaflets to the parents / guardians of all of their children. Etching Hill Primary have also pledged to make sure that all children have access to Sun Hats & Sunscreen and that all teachers at the school will be good role models with regard to sun safety.

“We will ensure that the provision of the sun hats and sunscreen, including spares, will be actioned appropriately and kept on school premises at all times as per the guidelines already outlined. We have ordered the Deb products to place around the school and will keep these topped up at all times. ”

“All staff have been made aware of our sun safe policy. They have all agree to act as appropriate role models with regard to sun safety. ”

(Jamie McMullan - Etching Hill Primary)

Etching Hill Primary Completes Step 2 towards becoming a Sun Safe School - Shade

Congratulations to Etching Hill Primary for providing shaded areas for their pupils.

Shaded Area photo submitted by Etching Hill Primary

“we have 3 shaded areas for the children to access and we have also invested in gazeboes for use during sports day and field play. We have attached a photo of one of our outdoor classrooms which children can access at all times. ”

(Jamie McMullan - Etching Hill Primary)

Congratulations to Netherseal St Peter's C E (c) Primary School who have just renewed their Sun Safe Schools Accreditation.

Skcin are pleased to announce that Netherseal St Peter's C E (c) Primary School in Derbyshire have renewed their Sun Safe Schools Accreditation. The accreditation has been awarded to the school as they have completed the necessary steps to ensure their pupils and employees are educated on the importance of sun safety and that a suitable sun safe environment and policy is put in place and reviewed annually.

Skcin’s Sun Safe Schools, Sun Safe Nurseries and Sun Safe Workplaces national accreditation schemes are dedicated to educating at risk groups and future generations on the importance of sun safety to prevent skin cancer and promote early detection of the disease.

Swallowfield Lower School Completes Step 4 towards becoming a Sun Safe School - Lesson Plan

Congratulations to Swallowfield Lower School for carrying out the ‘George the Sun Safe Superstar’ Lesson Plan.

Lesson Plan photo submitted by Swallowfield Lower School

“Throughout the school, teachers have shared the book or animation of 'George the Sun Safe Superstar', and used the lesson plan to follow on. Some teachers chose to ask the questions for whole class discussions, whilst others delivered it as a fun team quiz (as seen in the attached image). Feedback for the story was very positive from both teachers and pupils. Children enjoyed the rhyming element to the story and the character George. Teachers felt the animation was a great option to have, and the content within the story is put across in an engaging way for all of the children. Pupils' have shown fantastic enthusiasm towards the Sun Safe Schools, referring to the assembly as well as demonstrating a deeper understanding following the lesson activities. A selection of the other activity sheets have been used throughout the school depending on age groups. Again feedback has been well received for the resources on offer.”

(Gemma Howe - Swallowfield Lower School)

Corfield CE Infant School Completes Step 4 towards becoming a Sun Safe School - Lesson Plan

Congratulations to Corfield CE Infant School for carrying out the ‘George the Sun Safe Superstar’ Lesson Plan.

Lesson Plan photo submitted by Corfield CE Infant School

“We are Sun Sa!fe”

(Andrea Merriman - Corfield CE Infant School)

Tuesday 17 May 2016

St Mary's RC Primary School Completes Step 1 towards becoming a Sun Safe School - Sun Hats, Sunscreen & Role Models

Congratulations to St Mary's RC Primary School for issuing letters and Sun Safety leaflets to the parents / guardians of all of their children. St Mary's RC Primary School have also pledged to make sure that all children have access to Sun Hats & Sunscreen and that all teachers at the school will be good role models with regard to sun safety.

“St Mary's is committed to ensuring all children are kept safe whilst enjoying the outdoors; we pledge to ensure sun hats and cream are available on the premises and will continue to work with parents ensuring they understand what is required in terms of sun protection.”

“I can confirm that all teachers at St Mary's fully understand the importance of sun safety; all staff are ambassadors for the school and role models for the children in the promotion of sun safety.”

(David Miller - St Mary's RC Primary School)

Flying Start - Marjon Completes Step 1 towards becoming a Sun Safe School - Sun Hats, Sunscreen & Role Models

Congratulations to Flying Start - Marjon for issuing letters and Sun Safety leaflets to the parents / guardians of all of their children. Flying Start - Marjon have also pledged to make sure that all children have access to Sun Hats & Sunscreen and that all teachers at the school will be good role models with regard to sun safety.

“At Flying Start we like the children to enjoy the outdoor facilities, what ever the weather. We work in partnership with families to ensure that children are appropriately clothed and protected from the potentially harmful effects of the sun. At Flying Start we endeavour to provide an area of shade within the garden, Senior staff will risk assess and monitor the potential for children to sunburn and children will play outside mostly before 11 and after 3pm on very sunny days. All children will ware a hat outside, provided from home and staff will wear a hat to provide a good role model. Permission will be sought form parents/carers at the time of registration to apply sunscreen to children's faces, arms, necks and lower legs, where appropriate. Flying Start will provide sunscreen of protection factor 30 minimum. This will be hypo-allergenic/ dermatologically tested/ suited for sensitive skins to reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions. Parents/ carers will inform the nursery if their child a particular allergy/ sensitivity to our sun cream and provide ”

“Policies are in place to ensure this happens. Regular checks are carried out. ”

(Samantha Paine - Flying Start - Marjon)

Little Green Rascals Organic Day Nursery Completes Step 3 towards becoming a Sun Safe Nursery - Teaching Resources & Activities

Congratulations to Little Green Rascals Organic Day Nursery for reading George the Sun Safe Superstar to all their children and introducing everyone to the ‘Slip, Slap, Slop song’.Little Green Rascals Organic Day Nursery have also pledged to continue to regularly use the resources provided to reinforce the sun safe message to their children.

“We read the story before lunch and attached a copy to our weekly email. We regularly speak to the children about the need to be safe in the sun and they loved the story. We have downloaded the song onto the computers in our downstairs rooms and the children are enjoying a slip slop slap dance!!”

(Amanda Boocock - Little Green Rascals Organic Day Nursery)

“We take sun safety very seriously and are aware of the damaging affects of the suns rays. We will continue with the safe sun message and will aim to remind our parents of the importance of being safe in the sun regularly in our weekly emails.”

(Amanda Boocock - Little Green Rascals Organic Day Nursery)

Little Green Rascals Organic Day Nursery is now an Official Sun Safe Nursery!

Congratulations to Little Green Rascals Organic Day Nursery for obtaining their Sun Safe Nursery Status & Award

“I was very impressed at how easy oit was to become sun safe and with the quality of information provided. We are aware of the need to be safe in the sun and the information was useful not only for our parents but also as a reminder to some of our more experienced staff and as important information for our more newly qualified staff members.”

(Amanda Boocock - Little Green Rascals Organic Day Nursery)

Kelvedon & Feering Preschool is now an Official Sun Safe Nursery!

Congratulations to Kelvedon & Feering Preschool for obtaining their Sun Safe Nursery Status & Award

“Brilliant idea!!!”

(Sonia Carrington - Kelvedon & Feering Preschool)

Saturday 14 May 2016

Play School No.1 is now an Official Sun Safe Nursery!

Congratulations to Play School No.1 for obtaining their Sun Safe Nursery Status & Award

“i think this is a wonderful idea and should be given more recognition”

(Hazel Alice Mcaleer - Play School No.1)

Friday 13 May 2016

Congratulations to Beavers Community Primary School who have just renewed their Sun Safe Schools Accreditation.

Skcin are pleased to announce that Beavers Community Primary School in Greater London have renewed their Sun Safe Schools Accreditation. The accreditation has been awarded to the school as they have completed the necessary steps to ensure their pupils and employees are educated on the importance of sun safety and that a suitable sun safe environment and policy is put in place and reviewed annually.

Skcin’s Sun Safe Schools, Sun Safe Nurseries and Sun Safe Workplaces national accreditation schemes are dedicated to educating at risk groups and future generations on the importance of sun safety to prevent skin cancer and promote early detection of the disease.

Beavers Community Primary School is now an Official Sun Safe School!

Congratulations to Beavers Community Primary School for obtaining their Sun Safe School Status & Award

“This has been a great scheme to get across the message of keeping safe in the sun. Using the story as a hook inspired the children and using the stickers as incentives has really worked well. The site is easy to use and the lesson plans are great.”

(Kelly Chapman - Beavers Community Primary School)

Beavers Community Primary School Completes Step 1 towards becoming a Sun Safe School - Sun Hats, Sunscreen & Role Models

Congratulations to Beavers Community Primary School for issuing letters and Sun Safety leaflets to the parents / guardians of all of their children. Beavers Community Primary School have also pledged to make sure that all children have access to Sun Hats & Sunscreen and that all teachers at the school will be good role models with regard to sun safety.

“Leading on from the letter and the assembly we have already seen a dramatic increase in the number of children bringing suncream into school, wearing hats, sunglasses and using the provided shade. We have a small stock of spare hats available( this we will increase). We have spare suncream available in the welfare room.”

“All staff have attended an after school Inset where the SunSafe award was explained. They are well aware of being good role models and have pledged to to act upon everyone being safe in the sun. The stickers are being used as an incentive for children to Slip, Slap, Slop. When a staff member sees a good example of being sun safe the child recieves their sticker.”

(Kelly Chapman - Beavers Community Primary School)

Wednesday 11 May 2016

St John's C Of E Primary School is now an Official Sun Safe School!

Congratulations to St John's C Of E Primary School for obtaining their Sun Safe School Status & Award

“Great scheme ”

(Kathryn Astell - St John's C Of E Primary School)

Tuesday 10 May 2016

Willowdene is now an Official Sun Safe Nursery!

Congratulations to Willowdene for obtaining their Sun Safe Nursery Status & Award

“we would love to share our news with the local paper so if possible can we get some stickers and banners x we are going to hold a stay safe in the sun day and invite parents to the event ”

(Joanne Slydell - Willowdene)

Up, Up And Away Nursery Completes Step 2 towards becoming a Sun Safe Nursery - Shade

Congratulations to Up, Up And Away Nursery for providing shaded areas for their pupils.

Shaded Area photo submitted by Up, Up And Away Nursery

“We provide two areas of shade, one attached to the building offering a large shade area, the other a canopy area.”

(Hatty Wanklin - Up, Up And Away Nursery)

Vernham Dean Gillum's CE Primary School Completes Step 1 towards becoming a Sun Safe School - Sun Hats, Sunscreen & Role Models

Congratulations to Vernham Dean Gillum's CE Primary School for issuing letters and Sun Safety leaflets to the parents / guardians of all of their children. Vernham Dean Gillum's CE Primary School have also pledged to make sure that all children have access to Sun Hats & Sunscreen and that all teachers at the school will be good role models with regard to sun safety.

“As a school we feel it is imperative that we ensure the provision of sun hats and sunscreen. Our parents have taken the letter seriously and we have had a good response to children keeping hats and sun cream in school. The children have also taken it seriously and support each other in remembering to put cream on (and hats) before going out to play.”

“As a whole staff we have discussed the importance and had pledge to ensure that children are given the time before playtimes/PE/outdoor learning to place sun cream on and collect their hats.”

(Katy Thompson - Vernham Dean Gillum's CE Primary School)




Sun Safe Schools - Headmaster Testimonial  10 May 2016

What better week than Sun Awareness Week to share a recent video testimonial on Sun Safe Schools.This is not a promotional video and totally is un edited by Skcin. The Headmaster's speech sums it all up perfectly.Sun safe schools sign up today www.sunsafeschools.co.uk . Thank you Mr Leigh, Shelton Infant School.




Sunday 8 May 2016


British Sun Awareness Week – what Skcin are doing in 2016.

Sun Awareness Week is the British Association of Dermatologists' annual campaign to raise awareness of skin cancer and to encourage people to check their skin regularly.

For Skcin this is forms part of our key objective, however we do this everyday of the year -providing a key source of information, free resources and support to the public and health care professionals across the UK.

Skcin's primary objectives are to:

  • Raise awareness of skin cancer through education, promoting prevention and early detection.
  • To engage higher risk target groups via bespoke educational initiatives.
  • To ensure the continued development, longevity and participation in our national accreditation schemes.
  • To campaign for change, make a difference and save lives.

Skcin are dedicated to developing our comprehensive resources and spreading the sun safety message, distributing literature and running campaigns with our partners and working closely with recognised “at risk” groups. Skcin have created and developed three successful national educational, accreditation schemes, as well as various campaigns, partnerships and initiatives to deliver our message as far and wide as we can throughout Sun Awareness Week and beyond.

Over 80% of skin cancers are caused by over exposure to UV, put simply this means over 80% of cases are preventable. Knowledge is power and with skin cancer statistics so compelling, it's time to make a change.

Skcin have always firmly believed that education is key and that a culture change is required to tackle the ever-growing number of skin cancer cases. We also believe the education of young children is where can evoke the greatest change that will impact our future generations and those to come.

To assist us with our objectives Skcin have successfully created and continue to develop three, free, national on-line accreditation schemes, with comprehensive free resources and policy guidance:-

  • Sunsafeschools.co.uk – The first and only accreditation scheme of it’s kind which is dedicated to educating our future generations on the importance of sun safety whilst assisting schools with practical policy guidance.
  • Sunsafenurseries.co.uk – our Sun Safe Schools sister scheme for nurseries and pre-school settings developed to introduce sun safety education to younger children and provide suitable policy guidance.
  • Sunsafeworkplaces.co.uk - our national accreditation scheme for employers of outdoor workers – promoting sun safety and education in the workplace alongside in-depth policy guidance.

Over 2,200 schools and pre-schools have registered with The Sun Safe Schools scheme from all across the UK and overseas, with many British schools abroad also working toward their accreditation.

Skcin are proud to be working with partners in various parts of the UK to expand this work with committed ambassadors and fundraisers.

As such, Sun Awareness Week seems a fitting time to announce the timely recruitment of Skcin Ambassador Lisa Guthrie. The 33 year old mum, local celebrity, chat show host, beauty blogger and internet sensation from Tyne & Wear, has been thrust into the national media spotlight following her personal battle with melanoma. Lisa will be working and filming with Skcin in the North-East to promote our Sun Safe Schools initiative and to work with us in spreading the Sun Safe message across the region.

Skcin commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Lisa as our Ambassador in the North East. Lisa is an incredible woman with an amazing story – this combined with her own success, evident likeability and passion to make a difference - Lisa possesses a huge platform from which she has the ability to make a real difference. We look forward to seeing how we can develop our combined efforts to raise awareness and save lives”.

 
Skcin have been especially busy for the last two months in the run up to Sun Awareness Week supplying hospitals, doctors, nurses, public health, council partnerships, community health, primary schools, pre-school settings and businesses with our resources and guidance across the UK - helping them spread the word and support us in our mission. Many major hospitals have worked in partnership with us to deliver our information and promotional material to raise awareness locally during Sun Awareness with public skin clinics and handing out our literature.

Our Sun Safety and Skin cancer pocket sized booklets are proving hugely successful. For a small and handy resource it is packed with essential information and facts about UV, Our Skin, Tanning, Sunbeds, Sun Safety Advice, How to Check your Skin and What to Look Out For. They are produced and distributed either for free or via donations across the UK with an estimated 1.5 million copies supplied annually and this figure growing year on year . Our children’s illustrated book, George the Sun Safe Superstar has seen over 2000 books published and given to schools.

Skcin will also be busy during Sun Awareness Week across Derbyshire following the massive success of the Colin Bloomfield Melanoma Appeal with BBC Radio Derby. The Appeal which continues to be facilitated by Skcin has seen 200 local primary schools 50,000 children educated about Sun Safety via Skcin’s Sun Safe Schools Accreditation Scheme in addition to receiving enhanced resources funded by the appeal such as sunscreen and dispensers for every CLASS, UV monitors for the playground and educational games for every school. The appeal has also funded a number of Mole Check Clinics - screening hundreds of people, sun shade structures for local parks and soon to be installed - the nations first solar powered Sun Meter! Our support further continues in Derbyshire during Sun Awareness Week with local Derbyshire hospitals running sun awareness events and includes a Graduate Recruitment event with Derbyshire MP, Pauline Latham at Derby University.

Our crusade continues long after Sun Awareness Week ends with lots of exciting plans with more targeted marketing campaigns with our Ambassadors to schools a new awareness initiative to beauty industry. To Skcin, Sun Awareness Week is not about one week, but everyday encouraging a cultural change and educating so we can prevent this terrible disease and help saves lives.

 
For further information about our work, sponsorship opportunities or general volunteering and fundraising activities please contact: Marie Tudor on: marie.tudor@skcin.org.
 
 
 
 
Please follow us on Twitter and Facebook @skcin Registered charity number: 1150048
 
 

Congratulations to Grange Primary School who have just renewed their Sun Safe Schools Accreditation.

Skcin are pleased to announce that Grange Primary School in Nottinghamshire have renewed their Sun Safe Schools Accreditation. The accreditation has been awarded to the school as they have completed the necessary steps to ensure their pupils and employees are educated on the importance of sun safety and that a suitable sun safe environment and policy is put in place and reviewed annually.

Skcin’s Sun Safe Schools, Sun Safe Nurseries and Sun Safe Workplaces national accreditation schemes are dedicated to educating at risk groups and future generations on the importance of sun safety to prevent skin cancer and promote early detection of the disease.

Thursday 5 May 2016

Abacus Day Nursery is now an Official Sun Safe Nursery!

Congratulations to Abacus Day Nursery for obtaining their Sun Safe Nursery Status & Award

“The process is fairly easy and the resources are excellent, the children are enjoying learning about sun safety with George. ”

(Sian Patel - Abacus Day Nursery)

Wednesday 4 May 2016

West Johnstone Pre Five Centre Completes Step 3 towards becoming a Sun Safe Nursery - Teaching Resources & Activities

Congratulations to West Johnstone Pre Five Centre for reading George the Sun Safe Superstar to all their children and introducing everyone to the ‘Slip, Slap, Slop song’.West Johnstone Pre Five Centre have also pledged to continue to regularly use the resources provided to reinforce the sun safe message to their children.

“the children were enthusiastic about sun safe nurseries and are learning about being safe while outdoor playing including safe sun exposure, by using the slip slop slap method this is helping them recall how to be safe before going out , even in the beautiful unpredictable scottish weather ”

(Elaine Mcmahon - West Johnstone Pre Five Centre)

“West Johnstone nursery will follow the sun safe ways and encourage the children and parents/guardians to so so to .”

(Elaine Mcmahon - West Johnstone Pre Five Centre)