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ADVICE My top tip would be to use signage and posters dotted around your setting. This is a great way to remind employers, parents and older children to practice good hand washing techniques, to use the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ technique and to remind people to avoid touching their faces especially mouth, eyes and nose. There are many available that can be either purchased or downloaded for free. Using a good search engine you should be able to find many organisations that have produced them, including The World Health Organisation (WHO), National Health Service (NHS) and your local health authority to name just a few. You could even make your own. I would recommend laminating them so they too can be wiped clean to keep everyone safe. Infected If you, a staff member or a child is feeling unwell and displaying symptoms of Covid-19 they should not come to nursery. If they are at the setting when they become ill they should be isolated where possible and collected straight away or if an adult they should go home, self-isolate (following government guidelines) and get tested. This will prevent the infected person (portal of exit) coming into contact with other people and prevent the spread of the virus. As a nursery you should be fully engaged and understand the NHS test and trace process so that you know what you must do should a child or staff member within your setting be suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19. You must also ensure you know how to contact your local PHE Health Protection Team if you have a confirmed case or rise in your overall suspected cases. Social distancing Use social distancing measures where possible. With young children this can be extremely difficult so other measures which can be taken may include minimising contact between different classes i.e. staggering use of the garden or meal rooms so different classes don’t mix, trying not to mix staff class teams, keeping where possible the same groups of people together (staff and children) and making sure communal rooms, such as sensory rooms or soft play areas, are thoroughly cleaned in between use. Stagger collection and drop off times to prevent large influx of people at one time, as well as discouraging parents congregating in reception areas and entrances and, where possible, not entering the premises. Tissues Increased cleaning with anti-bacterial sprays on hard surfaces i.e. worktops, door handles, and even resources such as children’s toys all help prevent the transmission. Children’s soft toys, dressing up clothes, toys with intricate parts or any toy that is difficult to clean should be avoided. Also, promoting and teaching children good respiratory hygiene using the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach using disposal tissues to catch sneezes and coughs, throwing them in the bin straight away and then washing hands. As well as encouraging children not to touch their mouths, eyes and nose (which is far easier said than done). Behaviour Recently I was asked a question regarding the use of air conditioning within a setting. The risk of spreading COVID-19 via air-con is extremely low as long as there is an adequate supply of fresh air or ventilation. However, if you use a centralised system which removes and circulates air to different rooms it is recommended that the recirculation be turned off and a fresh air supply is used instead. There may be times when children’s behaviour may increase the risk of droplets such as licking, biting or spitting. Where it cannot be discouraged or safely managed the use of additional PPE should be considered. Thorough and regular hand washing with soap and running water for 20 seconds is an effective way to stop the transmission and where this isn’t possible hand sanitizer should be used. This is to help prevent the portal of entry. Staff and children who are more susceptible may need to be shielded from society and should be following the current advice from the NHS and government. Laura West is the childcare health and safety specialist at MCW Nursery Support Service Ltd, a family-run business specialising in health and safety, auditing and training for the childcare industry. Visit mcwnss.co.uk Read Laura’s advice on infection control - visit bit.do/TEYinc R E A D M O R E A T Read more from Laura on Teachwire – visit bit.do/TEYlw Teachearlyyears.com 81