Teaching sun and heat protection as a life skill in primary schools
A PSHE Association Quality Marked, curriculum-aligned lesson for Key Stage 2 lesson, supporting health, wellbeing and outdoor learning.
What this lesson delivers
- accurate, age-appropriate and full curriculum alignment
- inclusive and accessible, with SEND considerations built in
- ready to deliver, supporting teachers without increasing workload
- one-hour lesson format, designed to fit existing timetables
- flexible delivery across PSHE, wellbeing, PE and outdoor learning
- supports duty of care during warmer months, outdoor activity and educational visits
PSHE Association Quality Marked lesson for Key Stage 2
No login required. No ongoing commitment.
Why schools use the lesson
- free to download and use, with no subscription or ongoing cost
- the only PSHE Association Quality Marked primary lesson to frame sun and heat protection as a practical life skill, supporting behavioural change, not awareness alone
- includes clear, age-appropriate guidance on sunscreen use, supporting real-life application
- developed by the Melanoma Fund in collaboration with experts in oncology and dermatology, drawing on over 20 years’ experience in sun protection education
Evidence of impact
Piloted in 2025 across 20 primary schools in Kent and Medway, reaching more than 8,400 pupils in Years 3–6.
In post-lesson feedback, 100% of participating teachers said they would use the lesson again.
Schools reported high engagement, strong message recall and early indicators of independent behaviour change, including pupils choosing to pack sunscreen and wear hats.
The resource has been featured on BBC News, BBC Breakfast and BBC radio, and is being promoted this spring as part of a national multi-media campaign.
“Most children his age won’t stand still long enough to apply sunscreen, but this weekend he chose to put it on, and told me I’d missed bits.”
Parent feedback, Kent pilot
How the lesson works
Provided as a self-contained PDF lesson pack.
What the lesson includes
- structured lesson plan
- clear learning objectives
- discussion prompts
- pupil activities
- teacher notes
Delivery options
- standalone PSHE lesson
- wellbeing or health education
- PE or outdoor learning
Typically delivered in the spring or early summer term.
Time and preparation
- duration: one hour
- preparation: minimal
- delivery: classroom teachers, PSHE leads or PE staff
PSHE Association Quality Marked lesson for Key Stage 2
No login required. No ongoing commitment.