The policies and procedures set out below have been written following the publication of the Government’s ‘Next Steps for Dealing with Covid-19’ which came into force on 1 April 2022.
1.0 Testing and Covid-19 Protocols
1.1 Testing
Regular asymptomatic testing is no longer recommended in any education or childcare setting; therefore the nursery will no longer be able to order test kits. Free COVID-19 tests are now only available to specific groups designated by the Government.
If you do suspect you have Covid-19 and would like to test for it but do not have a test kit please ask Ann Davis if one can be taken from the limited stock held by the nursery.
1.2 What to do if you develop COVID-19 symptoms
Adults with the symptoms of a respiratory infection, and who have a high temperature or feel unwell, should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until they feel well enough to resume normal activities and they no longer have a high temperature.
Adults with a positive COVID-19 test result should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days, which is when they are most infectious.
1.2 What to do if a child develops COVID-19 symptoms
Children and young people aged 18 and under with a runny nose, sore throat, or mild cough, who are otherwise well, can continue to attend the nursery.
Children and young people who are unwell and have a high temperature should stay at home and avoid contact with other people. They can return to the nursery when they no longer have a high temperature, and they are well enough to attend.
Children and young people with a positive COVID-19 test result should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 3 FULL days.
Children returning to nursery on the fourth day should be tested before they leave home. If the child tests positive and the parent still wishes the child to attend they are requested to email the nursery in advance to give the staff the chance to acquire the appropriate PPV if they wish to do so.
2.0 System of Controls
2.1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The wearing of appropriate PPE, such as a face covering, is optional for staff. Face masks can be obtained from the stock held by the nursery if required. Safe wearing of face coverings requires the cleaning of hands before and after touching the face covering. This includes touching the coverings to remove or put them on, and the safe storage of the coverings in individual, sealable plastic bags between use.
Where a face covering becomes damp it should not be worn and should be replaced carefully. PPE that is not washable and reusable should be placed in the yellow nappy bags for safe disposal.
2.2 Infection in classroom – Traffic Light System
In order to control all infections (including Covid-19) in the classrooms and extra-curricular sessions we have introduced a ‘traffic light’ system of controls. Recording of the infection and control in place is made on the Traffic Light Risk Assessment form that is completed in line with each classes’ daily risk assessment. The form records:
• What the infection is and how many children/staff have it.
• What actions classes will take to control the infection.
• The date and the name of the person/persons completing the form.
The traffic light form should be completed daily for as long as the infection lasts and during this time classes may need to remain in bubbles and be flexible with break times. The actions taken will vary depending upon the severity of the infection, as follows:
Example Infections: Vomiting bug, hand foot & mouth, chicken pox, heavy colds, coughs
Action: Remove the natural resources and possibly some of the soft furnishings. These can be replaced with easy to clean equipment. Deep clean equipment.
Recording: This should be recorded on the red section of the form.
Example Infections: Threadworm, nits
Action: Remove sand, playdough, gloop etc. as the eggs can be transferred when using these materials. Deep clean equipment.
Recording: This should be recorded on the amber section of the form.
Example Infections: Non-contagious infection or slight cold/cough
Action: Clean equipment regularly throughout the day
Recording: This should be recorded on the green section of the form.
2.3 Actions if someone develops COVID-19 symptoms whilst at nursery
If anyone develops Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms whilst at Clowns Nursery they will be sent home and advised to follow the guidance in Section 1 of this document.
• If a child is awaiting collection, they ideally will be moved, if possible, to a well-ventilated section of the room. Practitioners in the room are advised to wear face masks during this time.
• Staff should continue to wash their hands thoroughly for 20 seconds after any contact with someone who is unwell.
• Once the person has left the nursery the red section traffic light system of controls should be put into place. Cleaning the area with disinfectant after someone with symptoms has left will reduce the risk of passing the infection on to other people.
3.0 The Premises
3.1 Entry to the building
Entry to the building is restricted to staff, children and pre-arranged authorised visitors such as:
• professionals who support individual children
• those carrying out essential maintenance or works
• those delivering PPE, stationery or food supplies.
Pre-arranged authorised visitors may only enter the building if they are wearing appropriate PPE such as a face covering unless they have an exemption.
3.2 Staff Deliveries
Staff members will not be permitted to have deliveries sent to the nursery unless they are for medical or essential purposes and agreed by Mrs Landy.
4.0 Space Management
4.1 Staff Areas
Where possible staff should ensure the room they are in is ventilated with a fresh air flow by opening the window when the room is in use.
Perspex partitions have been installed in the office areas, including reception, to minimise contact and cross infection.
Additional sanitising stations have been installed around the nursery and should be used regularly by staff and visitors.
Proposed meetings in the staff room must be pre-booked by affixing a sign to the door to alert other users.
Appraisals and staff meetings will be conducted via Zoom where possible.
If you would like further information, please contact info@clownsnursery.co.uk
