Smoking and vaping

Several parents and carers have raised concerns about people smoking and vaping near the school gates. The smoke not only creates an unpleasant environment for others gathering at drop-off and pick-up times, but it can also waft into the school grounds, affecting the air quality around children. If you do smoke or vape, we kindly ask that you cross the road to do so, ensuring it is well away from the school area. Thank you for helping us keep the school environment cleaner and more comfortable for everyone.

Keeping Your Child Safe in the Sun: A Guide for Parents and carers

As the summer sunshine arrives, it’s the perfect time for children to enjoy outdoor play, sports, and adventures. But with the brighter days comes a need to be extra mindful about sun safety. Young skin is particularly sensitive to UV rays, so taking a few simple steps can help keep your child safe, healthy, and happy all summer long.

1. Apply Sunscreen – and Reapply Often

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and apply it generously to your child’s skin 30 minutes before going outside. Don’t forget easy-to-miss spots like the tops of ears, back of the neck, and the tops of feet. If your child is swimming or sweating, reapply every two hours (or more often if needed).

2. Cover Up

Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and legs can help protect skin without causing overheating. Look for UV-protective fabrics where possible. A wide-brimmed hat that shades the face, ears, and neck is essential – baseball caps offer little protection for the neck and ears.

3. Seek Shade During Peak Hours

The sun is strongest between 11am and 3pm, so try to keep outdoor activities to mornings or late afternoons when possible. If you’re out and about during peak times, find shade under trees, shelters, umbrellas, or pop-up tents.

4. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Children can become dehydrated more quickly than adults, especially in the heat. Encourage your child to drink water regularly – not just when they feel thirsty. Packing a reusable water bottle is a great habit for any summer day.

5. Protect Eyes Too

UV rays can also damage young eyes, so make sure your child wears sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB protection. Look for styles that fit comfortably and securely.

6. Be Sun-Aware, Even on Cloudy Days

Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds, so sun protection is still needed even when it doesn’t feel hot or sunny. Keep up the routine of applying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing, even when skies look grey.

In School and Beyond

At school, we encourage sun safety and do our best to ensure children are protected during outdoor play. Please help us by:

• Making sure your child comes to school with sunscreen already applied.

• Sending them with a named sunhat and refillable water bottle.

• Letting us know if you’d like them to use a specific brand of sunscreen or have any allergies.

Together, we can help children enjoy everything summer has to offer—safely and responsibly.

☀️ Stay safe, stay cool, and enjoy the sunshine!

St John’s Hoxton Fair

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