Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of providing free sunscreen products in schools for children.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

The Department has not made a recent assessment of the potential merits of providing free sunscreen products in schools for pupils.

School staff have a duty to look after the pupils in their care. Schools are best placed to determine what measures are practicable to minimise any known risks arising from outdoor activities that take place in sunny weather, including exposure to the sun during school breaks.

The Department expects schools to take sensible decisions when temperatures are high and where pupils could be outside for longer periods of time.

The Department also expects schools to engage with parents and pupils on what precautions are acceptable and what measures the school is prepared to undertake. This would include discussions on how schools adhere to advice from the Department of Health and Social Care, including whether staff are prepared to administer sunscreen to younger pupils, whether pupils are allowed to carry their own sunscreen or, alternatively, whether pupils can cover up and wear sun hats or sunglasses.

Parents should raise any concerns directly with a school, which can then advise further on local policies.