“I’m only standing in the shade,” says the teacher on break duty. “I’m not running around in the sun like the kids.”

You may think a shady tree, or even a hat, is enough to protect your skin from sun damage, but if you’re not doubling up with SPF, too, you’re putting yourself at risk.

And your break duty may only be 20 minutes long, but skin can burn in just 15 minutes.

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Here are some tips on how teachers can stay safe in the sun:

1. Don’t save the SPF for summer term

From March onwards, we should be aware that the sun can damage our skin. Sunscreen shouldn’t be reserved for the last few weeks of the summer term; if it’s a sunny day and you’re outside, make sure you have applied suitable SPF.

Lisa Bickerstaffe, a spokesperson from the British Skin Foundation, recommends that teachers use SPF even if they’re only out for short periods.

“It’s definitely worth teachers applying SPF for breaktimes, especially between 11am to 3pm when UV rays are strongest.”

2. Keep your sunscreen handy

If you’re slopping your SPF cream on in the early morning in the hope that it will suffice for the rest of the day, you’re probably not correct.

If you’re out in the sun for a long period (like on sports day), it’s all about regular top-ups.

“It’s important to keep reapplying sunscreen at least every two hours,” advises Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson.

“If you apply sunscreen in the morning, it won’t last until lunchtime due to sweating or rubbing off.”

Instead, teachers might be better off using small stick applicators or roll-on sunscreen. There are loads of options out there.

3. Put more clothes on

It may feel counter-intuitive in hot weather, but loose clothing made from natural fibres will feel much cooler than if you wear less, and you’ll be protecting your skin from sunburn.

“Don’t forget to protect your skin with clothing,” advises Mahto. “And don’t forget to wear a hat that protects your face, neck and ears.”

During the summer months, it is a good idea to leave a long sleeved cardigan or shirt at school for those times when you want to keep your skin covered and safe in the sun.

4. Out of routine, but not out of habit

At this time of year, the school calendar is filled with  trips; instead of leading a maths lesson, you’re leading crocodile lines of children dressed in yellow hi-vis jackets.

Be sure to pack a sunscreen bottle in your bag on these days. You won’t always know what shade will be available on a trip, and unforeseen delays could mean that you’re outside a lot longer than you intended.

Including sunscreen and aftersun in your school first-aid kit means avoiding being caught out.

Sun facts

• The SPF number isn’t the only one that matters; you should also check the UVA circle logo and/or 4 or 5 UVA stars to protect against UVA.
• You can still absorb vitamin D whilst wearing sunscreen because sunlight can penetrate clothing.
• Make-up is not enough protection against the sun. SPF should be worn underneath.
• Sunscreen expires, so check the dates.
• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, killing seven people every day.
   

For details on how to identify skin cancer and stay safe in the sun, you can find more information on the British Skin Foundation website.