As we welcome the brighter, warmer days of May, it’s a wonderful time for outdoor adventures here at Wellies Day Nursery. From sensory play in the garden to exploring nature and enjoying group activities in the fresh air, outdoor learning is a valued part of our daily routine for children aged 9 months to 5 years.
With longer days and increased sunshine, May also brings an important reminder: the need to stay safe in the sun. This month, we are proud to support Sun Safety Week, using it as an opportunity to build awareness among our children, families, and staff about how to enjoy the sunshine safely and responsibly.
Why Sun Safety Matters for Young Children
Children’s skin is much thinner and more sensitive than adult skin, making it particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays. Even mild sunburn during early childhood can increase the risk of skin damage later in life.
In the UK, many people associate sun protection with holidays abroad, but it’s important to remember that UV rays can be strong enough to cause harm between March and October, even when it’s cloudy or breezy. Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds, meaning protection is still essential on overcast days. We all know how unpredictable the UK weather can be!
At Wellies, we believe that establishing good sun safety habits from an early age helps children develop lifelong awareness and confidence in caring for their own health and wellbeing.
Why Spring is So Special
Spring brings a unique energy to the nursery that can be felt in every corner of our outdoor space. After the colder winter months, children are naturally drawn outside, eager to move, explore, and rediscover their surroundings.
What makes spring particularly special is the constant sense of change and surprise. There is always something new to notice, a flower that wasn’t there yesterday, a sudden burst of sunshine, or the sound of birds. These small but powerful moments create excitement and wonder for young children.
Spring also supports:
Increased physical activity – with more opportunities to run, climb, and play freely outdoors
Improved mood and wellbeing – sunlight and fresh air help children feel happier and more energised
Stronger social connections – outdoor play encourages teamwork, sharing, and cooperative games
A sense of freedom and exploration – open spaces allow children to take safe risks and build confidence
There is something incredibly joyful about children splashing in puddles, feeling the breeze, or proudly showing the first green shoot they’ve helped grow. These experiences create lasting memories and a deep connection to the natural world. Spring reminds us to slow down, notice the little things, and celebrate growth. Not just in nature, but in the children themselves.
Sun Safety Week: Learning Through Play
To mark Sun Safety Week, we will be incorporating fun and engaging activities across all age groups to help children understand the importance of sun protection in an age-appropriate way.
Some of the activities we may explore include:
Storytime sessions featuring books about sunshine, summer, and staying safe outdoors
Creative play, such as decorating sun hats or creating sunshine-themed artwork
Simple discussions about why we wear hats, drink water, and stay in the shade
Role play, where children practise applying sunscreen to dolls or teddies
Songs and rhymes that reinforce sun safety messages in a fun, memorable way
These activities are designed to gently introduce key ideas, helping even our youngest children begin to understand routines like wearing a hat or taking a water break.
Our Approach at Wellies Day Nursery
Your child’s safety is always our top priority. As part of our daily routines during the sunnier months, we take a proactive and consistent approach to sun protection.
This includes:
☀️ Planning Outdoor Play Safely
We aim to schedule outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, avoiding peak UV times (typically between 11am and 3pm) wherever possible.
🌳 Making the Most of Shade
Our outdoor spaces include shaded areas where children can play comfortably. We actively encourage children to use these spaces during warmer periods.
👒 Wearing Sun Hats
Children are encouraged to wear sun hats that protect their face, neck, and ears. This becomes part of our daily routine and is supported positively by staff.
🧴 Applying Sunscreen
With parental consent, staff apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to exposed skin. Reapplication takes place throughout the day, particularly after water play or extended outdoor time.
💧 Staying Hydrated
We promote regular hydration by encouraging frequent water breaks. Drinking water is made part of our routine, helping children recognise when they feel thirsty.
👕 Appropriate Clothing
We support children in wearing lightweight, breathable clothing that offers protection while keeping them cool and comfortable.
Supporting Sun Safety at Home
We greatly value the partnership we have with our families, and your support plays an important role in keeping children safe.
Here are a few simple ways you can help:
Apply sunscreen to your child before they arrive at nursery
Provide a named sun hat that can be kept at nursery
Dress your child in suitable clothing, such as tops with sleeves
Send in a clearly labelled water bottle each day
Provide your own named sunscreen for your child
Consistency between home and nursery helps children understand that sun safety is part of everyday life, not just something we do occasionally.
Building Lifelong Healthy Habits
At Wellies Day Nursery, we are passionate about supporting children’s overall wellbeing and not just in the moment, but for the future. Sun safety is a simple yet powerful way to introduce the idea of self-care from an early age.
By embedding these habits into our routines and learning experiences, we help children:
Develop independence (e.g., remembering their hat)
Understand their bodies and needs (e.g., recognising when they’re hot or thirsty)
Build confidence in making healthy choices
These early lessons form the foundation for a lifetime of positive health behaviours.
Enjoying a Safe and Sunny Season Together
May is a time for growth, exploration, and joyful outdoor play. By working together, we can ensure that every child at Wellies enjoys the sunshine safely, creating happy memories while staying protected.
If you have any questions about our sun safety practices or would like further guidance, please don’t hesitate to speak to a member of our friendly team.
Let’s make this a season of safe sunshine, outdoor discovery, and healthy habits for all our little learners 🌞
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