no suncream?!

**Libby08** · 30-03-2012, 04:03 PM

I have a parent that when we signed contracts said they did not want me to apply suncream (or any other chemicals) to the child skin. At the time I said they had to state this on the contract and sign etc (to cover myself really) but now its getting hotter im wondering whether this is actually a good idea? At the time I said he will have to wear a sun hat and stay in the shade but he doesn't sit still so I know he won't want to sit in the shade and i think he will miss out! Also im worrying about his skin, they said he doesn't burn but surely its still not good for a child to not use sun cream? should i approach mum and suggest she finds a chemical free cream or just leave it and do as they asked!?
Any advice would be great!

**alwaysright** · 30-03-2012, 04:08 PM

so she would rather her child burnt than put some chemicals on his skin.....ridiculous....even children with sensitive skin can find cream to suit them these days! i would suggest that you tell her the child needs a large brimmed sunhat, long sleeved lightweight cotton top and light weight trousers, i would be checking at the start of each day that these were in the bag or let the parents go home for them, that could potentially ruin the other childrens day as well, as you will be so focused on trying to avoid the sun you will probably end up staying indoors!!

**RedDragon** · 30-03-2012, 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by Libby08

they said he doesn't burn

everybody burns!

**AliceK** · 30-03-2012, 04:13 PM

Unless there was a valid medical reason for this I would actually refuse to care for a child if the parent refused to let the child have suncream on. What on earth are they thinking??

xxxxx

**silvermist** · 30-03-2012, 04:14 PM

I would definately have to bring this up with parents, everyone can get sun burnt! I think its going to be too tricky to keep lo in the shade too! Mum will surely see this when you explain!

**Goatgirl** · 30-03-2012, 04:18 PM

Hi

,
I would ask parents for lightweight long sleeved and full legged clothing otherwise I wouldn't be able to take their child out on a sunny day. Its not fair on you or the other children. You need to be free to follow your own plans for the days

.

I am also not going to be responsible for a child burning. Anyone can burn. If parents don't accept it, that's up to them but I'd probably explain that Ofsted require me to safeguard the child from the sun regardless and the options are: they provide a sun cream of their choice (of sufficient protection factor); I provide x brand, x factor suncream and use as I feel necessary, or child comes in lightweight full body-cover clothing and with a wide brimmed hat (fastenable if child is of an age to keep taking the hat off!).

Without these items I would not be able to provide sufficient safeguards for the child so would refuse to accept them for childminding until suitable items provided. I would probable ask for spare (or provide spare) to keep at mine in case of forgetting tbh.

I'd just say to parents that with the unusually sunny weather, you have realised the impractical nature of their request, so you need to come up with a solution both Ofsted (you

) and they can live with

. Good luck

**Libby08** · 30-03-2012, 04:47 PM

Thanks everyone. Im glad it not just me that thinks its unsafe. Will chat to mum, she's usually good about things so sure will be ok. He wasn't born in england and she doesn't always dress him appropriately for english weather as she thinks his body is use to the weather from where he was born, this doesn't make sense to me either!?

onceinabluemoon · 30-03-2012, 05:10 PM

okay.... Do you know why the parent doesn't want you to put sun cream on the child? Are you aware that far from being safe some of the ingredients in suncream have been linked with cancer? Its a bit of damned if you do and damned if you don't... I'm not sure we should be harsh about a parent for choosing not to put chemicals into/onto the most precious thing in her world. If she was saying no sunscreen because she's too cheap to buy it that would be a different matter... (just my opinion). What would you do if the child was allergic to one of the ingredients of all sunscreens? you'd work with them and keep the child safe, just do the same.