In order to minimize the risk of spreading the coronavirus nurseries have been required to put strict regulations into place, ensuring that national and Government guidelines are followed, and this has been extremely challenging. Hopefully, this will not be for much longer.
At present we are still expected to adhere to the following guidance issued by the Government:
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We have a responsibility to ensure that to the best of our ability we can reduce the risk of Coronavirus entering the nursery. In order for us to undertake this responsibility no parents/carers or other adults will be allowed to enter the nursery, however essential visitors e.g. health professionals will be allowed on site to support the children’s learning and development – social distancing will be adhered to during this time.
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During drop off and collection periods all adults will be expected to wear a face covering or mask, this is also relevant to any staff member who is greeting parents at the door. (unless exempt)
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Resources will be cleaned regularly throughout the week, toilets and sinks are cleaned a minimum of twice during the day.
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Children will wash hands on arrival at the setting, before and after eating, when coming in from outside play and after sneezing or coughing
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It is important to recognise that children in their early years will not be able to fully social distance themselves from each other or the adults within the setting. Staff and parents are encouraged to distance themselves from each other where possible; parents are required to maintain a 2-metre distance from each other and from staff.
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Nursery will not accept any child into a session who has been provided with Calpol, Ibuprofen or paracetamol prior to coming to nursery.
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If a child or adult becomes unwell with a new continuous cough (this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours), high temperature (37.8 degrees and above) or loss of smell and taste at nursery they will be sent home immediately and advised to follow the procedure for possible Coronavirus infections. They will be required to have a negative PCR coronavirus test result before they are allowed to come back in (Lateral flow tests should only be used if you are not displaying any symptoms).If a parent/carer doesn’t want to get their child tested, they will be required to self-isolate for 10 days from the start of their symptoms. This will be the same for the staff.
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You will need to provide proof of a negative result before your child can return to nursery.
We also have a set of risk assessments specifically related to the coronavirus – you can read these here. Carey Childcare Centre – Infection Control Risk Assessment v1