COVID-19 Safety Measures
The safety of your child, the team and families is our priority. We are following Government advice and will be guided by them, whilst being flexible and ensuring children are happy and making progress with their learning whilst at nursery.
We’ll be regularly monitoring the situation and will update procedures as and when advised and guided.
We have devised procedures that we will all need to follow so that your children, the team and families remain safe.
- Please keep social distanced when waiting outside
- Everyone entering the building must wash their hands
- We’re washing our hands more frequently and we’re wiping down high use areas more frequently too
- Every evening our cleaners will complete a thorough deep clean of all areas
- We are ensuring good respiratory hygiene by promoting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ method
- If a child or member of the team has a new persistent cough and/or temperature, they will be sent home to take a test and self-isolate whilst we await results
- The team will still comfort children as we fully recognise they need reassurance and hugs
- PPE will only be worn when caring for a child who is unwell as per guidance, keeping nursery ‘normal’ is important whilst staying safe
You can read our COVID-19 policies here (PDF)
FAQs
What is your approach to operating nurseries during the pandemic?
Our priority is the safety of our team, children and their families. We are following the government guidance and continue to be led by this, updating our procedures as we need to. We will continue to introduce new measures to ensure we are meeting the requirements set out by the NHS, Public Health England and Department for Education.
What safety measures will be in place for my child’s return to nursery?
In line with current recommendations, we have put many additional measures in place to keep everyone safe which include nursery access restrictions and enhanced hygiene practices. We’re also following the below:
• Please keep social distancing when waiting outside
• Everyone entering the building must wash their hands
• We’re washing our hands more frequently and we’re wiping down high use areas more frequently too
• Every evening our cleaners will complete a thorough deep clean of all areas
• We are ensuring good respiratory hygiene by promoting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ method
• If a child or member of the team has a new persistent cough and/or temperature they will be sent home to take a test and self-isolate whilst we await results
• The team will still comfort children as we fully recognise they need reassurance and hugs
• The team will only wear PPE when caring for a child who is unwell, we want to keep nursery as normal and fun as we can whilst following the Government’s advice
Will staff be wearing PPE such as masks?
We want to make nursery feel as normal as possible for everyone whilst keeping everyone safe and for that reason, staff will only wear PPE when very close contact with an unwell child is required during the day and they need to be isolated whist awaiting collection.
Are staff being tested?
Staff and children can be tested if they display symptoms and we can provide support with this should we need to. Staff are also encouraged to take regular Lateral Flow Tests to detect anyone who is asymptomatic.
What additional cleaning and hygiene processes are you putting in place?
We will be regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that are frequently touched by children and adults. We are ensuring good respiratory hygiene by promoting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach to any coughs or sneezes. Children will be supported to ensure they wash their hands thoroughly.
What happens if a child or staff member becomes ill during the nursery day?
If children or staff develop any symptoms such as a new continuous cough or a high temperature we will take immediate action. Staff will be asked to return home immediately, self-isolate and seek a test. For children we have a dedicated isolation area where they will be taken and cared for by a member of staff who is known to them until a parent can come and collect them.
What if my child is poorly (not COVID-19 related) do they have to stay away?
We ask parents to retain their usual vigilance around not sending their child to nursery if unwell. Please speak to your nursery manager if in any doubt.
If there is a confirmed case of COVID-19, will parents be told?
If there is a confirmed case connected to the nursery, staff or children, we will update our communicable diseases list displayed at nursery.
Can my child be tested?
If your child is displaying symptoms of coronavirus, you can book a test online through the NHS website. Those who test positive will be contacted by the NHS test and trace to establish who they have been in contact with and could have infected.
My child is teething and might require Calpol
One of the main symptoms of COVID-19 is a high temperature and so we cannot accept any children who require Calpol in case it is masking a temperature. If you know your child is teething and maybe looks flushed, please speak with the nursery manager and we are happy for you to supply teething granules or gel.
Will you give prescribed medicine?
If your child requires medicine, your manager will ask you to complete a form at the door and we will administer as required.
What should I do if there is a long queue to get into nursery?
Please be patient, we are bringing the children into nursery as safely as possible.
Last Update 16.9.2021