Canberra summers can be intense. At Coombs Early Learning, we take sun safety seriously every day, not just during the brutal heatwaves we get. We don’t just adapt to the heat, we plan for it. Summer at our centre means shaded play, thoughtful routines, and an unwavering focus on sun safety.
Why Summer Safety Matters in Childcare
Children are more vulnerable to heat-related illness than adults. They can’t regulate their body temperature as effectively, and they often don’t recognise the signs of dehydration or sunburn until it’s too late. That’s why educators must stay ahead of conditions and be proactive — not reactive.
In Canberra, where UV levels can remain high even on cooler days, summer safety is about more than just sunscreen. It’s about building a culture where children learn sun-safe habits from their environment and their educators.
Everyday Sun Safety at Coombs ELC
We take a layered approach to sun protection that’s embedded in our daily routines:
- UV Monitoring: Educators check the daily UV rating and adjust the day’s activities accordingly.
- Sunscreen Application: Children apply sunscreen before outdoor play, with educators supporting them to ensure it’s used correctly and reapplied throughout the day.
- Protective Clothing: Wide-brimmed hats are a must. We also encourage lightweight, long-sleeved tops that offer better UV coverage.
- Hydration Breaks: Regular water breaks are scheduled throughout the day. Water bottles are easily accessible and monitored to ensure children are drinking enough.
- Shaded Outdoor Spaces: Our playground has purpose-built shaded areas, including a large pergola, where children can still enjoy outdoor time without direct sun exposure.
These aren’t policies on paper — they’re everyday habits that children and educators follow as part of their rhythm at the centre.
Adapting Bush Kinder to the Heat
Bush Kinder is an important part of our program. It helps children connect with nature, explore new environments, and develop confidence. But in the summer months, we adjust our Bush Kinder sessions to prioritise safety and comfort.
Depending on the temperature and UV level:
- Sessions may start earlier in the day when it’s cooler
- Locations are chosen based on available natural shade
- Activities are slowed down or relocated to covered areas if needed
- Educators bring extra water, cooling cloths, and monitor children closely
These additional measures ensure that children still benefit from outdoor learning without the risks associated with extreme heat.
Teaching Children to Be Sun Smart
We believe safety should be something children understand, not just something done for them. That’s why we use every opportunity to teach sun-safe behaviour:
- Educators model hat-wearing, sunscreen use, and hydration
- Children are praised for remembering to apply sunscreen or refill their water bottles
- Books, songs, and group conversations help reinforce the message in age-appropriate ways
By weaving these lessons into play and conversation, children develop habits that carry over beyond the centre and into home life.
How Families Can Support Summer Safety at Home
Sun safety doesn’t stop at the gate. What children see at home shapes their habits, and role modeling makes a real difference. When your child watches you apply sunscreen, wear a hat, or seek shade during outdoor activities, it becomes their norm too.
Make it part of your morning routine to apply sunscreen before heading out and pack essentials like a wide-brimmed hat and water bottle. Dress them in light, long-sleeved clothing for extra protection. Even on cloudy days, UV levels can be high enough to cause harm, so it’s worth checking the daily UV rating. Our approach aligns with the Cancer Council’s SunSmart recommendations, ensuring our health and safety practices reflect national best practice in UV protection for young children.
By staying consistent between home and care, you’re helping protect your child’s health and safety through summer and beyond.
Safety, Comfort and Confidence
At Coombs Early Learning, summer isn’t something we avoid, we just be prepared. Every shaded space, water break, and sunscreen application is part of a bigger goal: helping children feel comfortable and confident, even in the hottest months.
Want to see our shaded play spaces and learn more about how we keep children safe in the Canberra heat?
