Cancer Research is one of the UK’s leading researchers into the damage Sun can cause to our Skin and the preventive measures we can all take. This page provides advice given by cancer research, but for more info click here

Key Facts

• UV rays are invisible and cannot be felt on the skin. They penetrate deeply into our cells, causing changes that lead to sunburn, skin ageing, eye damage and skin ancer.
• One of the best ways to protect yourself from the sun's harmful UV rays is to find shade under parasols/umbrellas or canopies.

Check the UV Index

To help you know when you need to be careful outside, the World Health Organisation developed the UV Index. The UV Index is a way of describing the strength of the sun's rays. It is used in weather forecasts. 

Skin Protection – Schools / Children

Young skin is delicate and very easily damaged by the sun. All children, no matter whether they tan easily or not, should be protected from the sun & babies under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight, especially around midday.

It is recommended that using complete shade is crucial; under parasols/umbrellas, canopies, trees or indoors.

Other tips:

• Spend time in the shade between eleven and three.
• Time of year - the highest risk months in the UK are May to September.
• Cloud cover - you can still burn on a day when there is thin or scattered cloud.
• Reflection - up to 85 per cent of UV rays can be reflected back from sand, cement and water.

SHADE for Schools

SunSmart Policy (Cancer Research UK)

Cancer Research UK comment that during term time, children are in school during the peak UV hours five days a week. They suggest having a SunSmart school policy can make a big difference to the amount of skin damage children experience.

Sun Smart Policy Documents by Cancer Research UK

• Nursery Guidelines
• Primary School Guidelines
• Secondary School Guidelines

ACTION - Things To Think About

How much shade do you have?

• What shade is currently available in your school?
• Where do pupils tend to gather when outside?
• Can you move equipment to shadier areas?
• How much money do you have to invest in shade structures?

Putting up shade structures – long term or short term solutions

• Do you want a fixed (permanent) or flexible (temporary) structure?
• Do you want shade in this area all year round?
• What size of the area do you want shaded?
• What fundraising do you require to meet the costs of any new shade structure?
• Have you approached local businesses to sponsor your shade structure, for instance putting their logo on a shade in return for funding?

More ideas for your playground

For more ideas about how to develop your school’s grounds have a look at the Learning Through Landscapes website.

Whether Permanent or Semi Permanent Shade - at SHADEmakers we are confident, with our wide range of Parasols/Umbrellas and other SHADES, we can provide your school with the shelter your children, staff & even parents need.

Call SHADEmakers on 0800 085 1558 for advice - client information or to order your SHADE.