The policy at present stipulates that adequate shade is provided to protect children from the sun. This supports the Education and Care Services National Regulations National Law: Section 167 (protection from harm and hazards) National Regulations: Regulations 114, 168 ( ACECQA, 2014 )

A key element in children’s early years of development is play. Frost (1992) stated that "play is the chief vehicle for the development of imagination and intelligence, language, social skills, and perceptual-motor abilities in infants and young children" (p. 48) Supported by Vygotsky (1978) who believed that play facilitates cognitive development in children. (Australia, Kidspot, 2015)

According to Gibbs (2008), an effective policy considers laws, regulations and philosophy. It provides attention to all areas required for the operation of a centre, considering all respected members of the community. According to Gibbs (2008), an effective policy considers laws, regulations and philosophy. It provides attention to all areas required for the operation of a centre, considering all respected members of the community.

5 S’s – SEEK, SLIP, SLOP, SLAP & SLIDE Supported by the National Quality Standard (NQS) Quality Area 2, Children’s Health and Safety, which states “All children have the right to experience quality education and care in an environment that provides for their health and safety. This should be complemented by a focus on promoting each child’s wellbeing and providing each child’s growing competence, confidence and independence (ACECQA, 2011). (Queensland Cancer Council, 2015)

Vitamin D benefits: Helps regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphorous Helps immune system to function normally Helps in growth development Helps in development of bones and teeth Improves resistance to certain diseases (Healthline, 2013) (Food and Health Communications, 2013)

The purpose of altering the policy to reflect this issue is: To ensure children and staff get enough sun exposure for the required Vitamin D Ensure children and staff are protected from too much UV exposure over UV levels of 3 Provide sufficient shade in the outdoor environment Educate children on sun protection for children Support Education and Care Services National Regulations

SEEK OUT SHADE SLIP ON PROTECTIVE CLOTHING SLAP ON A HAT SLOP ON SUNSCREEN SLIDE ON SUNGLASSES (Australian Government, 2012) SEEK OUT SHADE SLIP ON PROTECTIVE CLOTHING SLAP ON A HAT SLOP ON SUNSCREEN SLIDE ON SUNGLASSES (Australian Government, 2012)

Stage 1: Examine the area Stage 2: Collect information Stage 3: Brainstorm (e-Sim.org, n.d.)

Stage 4: Draft policy Stage 5: Ratify policy Stage 6: Implementation and access to policy

Jennifer McEwan SERENDIPITY EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

References Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) (2011). Guide to the National Quality Standard. Sydney, NSW: ACECQA. Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). (2014). National Quality Framework and The National Quality standard. Retrieved from Australian Government,. (2012). Australian sunglass and safety glass standard. Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency. Australia, Kidspot. (2015). Ten tips for natural play - Kidspot Australia. Kidspot Australia. Retrieved 30 January 2015, from play article.htm e-Sim.org,. Free MMOG browser game. Retrieved 30 January 2015, from sim.org/article.html?id=69288 Food and Health Communications,. (2013). Vitamin D and You!. Retrieved 30 January 2015, from Frost, J.L. (1992). Play and playscapes. Albany, NY: Delmar. Gibbs, L. (2008). Policy development in early childhood settings: From idea to evaluation. Pademelon Press, NSW. Healthline,. (2013). The Benefits of Vitamin D. Retrieved 28 January 2015, from Queensland, Cancer Council. (2015). Skin cancer - Cancer Council Queensland. Cancerqld.org.au. Retrieved 30 January 2015, from Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.