JULIE Flook's letter (Your Letters, July 7) concerning the protection of children from the sun while at school raises many valid points and parents and schools alike would do well to take notice.

At Worcestershire County Council, we are more than happy to back Mrs Flook's campaign to raise awareness of sun protection issues. However, while we don't want semantics to detract from the excellent thrust of her letter, we would like to make a couple of things clear.

The guidance from the county council as the local authority she refers to was issued specifically in response to questions about teachers applying suncream to children before they go out to lunch. School staff cannot be required to administer sun lotion or other forms of medication to children.

Instead our guidance is that parents consider long-lasting lotion or, even better, that children are taught to put it on themselves.

Our advice to schools on sun protection is much more far-reaching than just a long-lasting lotion. We advise schools, for example, to encourage the wearing of hats and recommend that schools provide a shaded area for pupils to use during break times.

The formulation of policy at schools has always been the responsibility of the governing bodies and ensuring these policies are adhered to is the responsibility of headteachers.

We're not passing the buck, as Mrs Flook suggests, it has always stopped with the schools.

Once again, any coverage given to Mrs Flook's campaign is welcome and hopefully, through this letter, the Malvern Gazette can once again give it the publicity it deserves.

Colin Weeden, head of education policy development, Worcestershire County Council.