1. Introduction
It is important that everyone complies with the latest Government guidance on Coronavirus.
We have developed these Safe Operating Procedures based on guidance from the Department of Education and the National Institute for Health Protection specifically for Early Years. It is important that we adapt our everyday practices to ensure that we continue to offer the staff and children a safe environment. Hygiene and social distancing remain the two key elements of infection prevention and control. If any symptoms are displayed, families must be alert and self-isolate for the safety of everyone.
Covid-19 appears to affect young children less often and with less severity. Children’s role in its transmission is unclear but it seems that it is not significant. We will do everything we can to be honest, open and to communicate with you. There will be a lot of anxieties and we acknowledge that it is OK to feel worried and that COVID-19 and the lockdown has had an impact on everyone.
Everyone involved in the day to day running of Playgroup will receive appropriate instruction and training on how to operate under the terms of the Safe Operating Procedures.
We aim to work in partnership with parents and trust that everyone understands and follows these Safe Operating Procedures.
The key principles of these procedures are:
2. Attendance
Children and staff must not attend Playgroup if they display any coronavirus symptoms, the most common being a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss of taste and smell.
It is important that you seek medical advice if you are unsure.
It is important that children do not attend nursery if unwell for their own wellbeing and for the safety of others. Calpol or other medication that can mask fever symptoms should also not be given before they come to nursery.
If anyone is experiencing any symptoms they cannot return to nursery until they have completed the required isolation period and be symptom free or have achieved a negative test result (proof will be required). Prompt exclusion is essential to preventing the spread of infection. Children and employees who are classed as clinically vulnerable should follow their medical advice before attending nursery.
If you child attends more than one setting you should let Playgroup know as it is recommended that children only attend one setting to avoid cross contamination at this time.
2.1 Drop off and collection of children
Parents are asked to drop off and collect their children at the entrance and not to enter Playgroup. Whilst parents are waiting, it is important to maintain social distancing by keeping a distance of two metres apart. It is encouraged that only one parent drops off and collects the children.
We are planning that all children arrive at the same time, however, we will be reviewing this continuously if things are too congested. Please approach the nursery slowly when driving as there will be parents and children waiting to enter. If you can walk to nursery, please do so.
Children will be assigned to a key family group based on the room they are in
2.2 Temperature and symptom monitoring
Routine temperature testing is not recommended as a reliable method for identifying coronavirus. Parents and employees should follow the NHS guidelines and, in particular, evidence of a high temperature and/or new continuous cough.
2.3 Travel to nursery
It is better not to share transport and to travel by car, bike or walk. Face coverings must be worn on public transport.
2.4 Travel outside of local area
If you or a close contact of yours travels internationally or to an area of the UK under local Covid restrictions, then you must be tested and have a negative result before returning to nursery. This is not limited to countries listed on the current government quarantine list. The only exception is if you have already quarantined for 14 days after your arrival back into the UK.
3. Implementing Social Distancing
It is very difficult to avoid a level of physical interaction with young children and it is important to have their wellbeing at the centre of everything we do. If a child is in need of a hug, then it would not be fair to deny them this. We will do our best to encourage social distancing, for example, by limiting the number of chairs at an activity table or during snack time.
We also ask that all children bring in their own, named, water bottle to be used. Drinks will be offered at intervals to avoid accidental sharing of bottles, however, of course if a child asks for a drink beforehand they will be able to access their bottle.
As we opened on June 1st the staff has already had a return to work induction, however, they will be reminded of the new procedures, good hygiene practices and the importance of social distancing before we open for the Autumn term.
If we have to respond to a fire or emergency lockdown, we will continue to manage social distancing, as far as possible. The safety of the children and employees will always come first.
4. Wellbeing
We know that this is a very unusual and worrying time for everyone and as well as all the safety measures, care and consideration must be taken of the need to ensure that everyone at Playgroup feels safe and secure. We will try our best to create a normal nursery environment and hope that you will bear with us.
We will concentrate on building secure attachments as always, especially with the new starters, and we will continue observing and assessing the children. We will not be able to spend a long time catching up with everyone each day, however, if there is something of importance you would like to speak with your key person about that can be arranged by prior agreement. We want our team to spend time with the children, playing and building their relationships.
We would always speak with you immediately if we had any concerns. If your child is expressing any concerns or worries, it is important that you inform the key person/Nursery Manager.
5. Visitors
5.1 Settling in sessions/transitions
Parents may enter the nursery for the purpose of settling-in sessions. It is important that social distancing continues to be maintained. The parents will not be able to spend time at Playgroup in order to minimise any risk of infection.
5.2 Visitors
Visitors to the nursery will not be encouraged unless it involves a safeguarding issue that cannot be resolved by telephone. Meetings will be conducted via videoconference. There will be no practitioner, parent conferences for the time being and two year old assessments will be handed to parents to look through at home, with any questions being answered via a telephone conference with the key person.
5.3 Playgroup visits for prospective parents
Prospective parents should make use of the Playgroup website for information relating to the ethos and organisation of the Playgroup.
5.4 Contractors
Any contractors to the nursery will be reminded of National Institute for Health Protection guidance prior to entering the building.
6. Health, Hygiene and Safety
6.1 Reducing the spread of the virus
It is recognised that good hygiene and cleaning practices will significantly reduce the spread and transmission of the virus as well as everyone being alert to the symptoms. Doors and windows will be opened as much as possible.
6.2 Cleaning
An enhanced cleaning schedule will be implemented throughout the morning and at the end of the morning.
The rate of hand washing must be significantly increased. Everyone, including children, must wash their hands upon arrival at Playgroup. There will be regular opportunities for hand washing throughout the morning and sanitiser will be used before anyone leaves Playgroup at the end of the morning.
6.3 Use of Tissues
The children will be supported in age-appropriate ways to understand the steps they can take to keep themselves and others safe and this includes sneezing into a tissue (or their arm if immediate) and then to dispose of the tissue. We follow the mantra “Catch It, Bin It, Kill It”.
6.4 Toileting
Hand washing signs are displayed to ensure hand washing is thorough and the practitioners will talk to the children about why we are washing our hands.
6.5 Clothing
All employees and children should wear clean clothing every day. If you have travelled on public transport, it is advised that you change your clothing on arrival at nursery. Children should bring a named bag with a changes of clothing in it.
6.6 Risk assessments
All risk assessments will reflect the risk of transmission of COVID-19. Certain activities will be adapted or removed to reflect this risk e.g. going on shopping trips.
6.7 Items from home
If your child requires a comforter e.g. soft toy or blanket, please bring it in a bag and then take home at the end of the day and wash it. We would prefer no toys or comforters to be brought into nursery but do understand that this could cause distress.
6.8 Resources at Nursery
Toys and resources that are difficult to clean will be removed, including cushions and soft toys. The children will only share toys and activities within their groups. We will aim to sanitise items at the end of each day.
7. Responding to a person displaying symptoms of COVID-19
7.1 A child
If a child is suspected of displaying coronavirus symptoms whilst attending the nursery, they should be collected as soon as possible and isolate at home in line with NHS guidance. The child must be tested before they return.
Whilst waiting to be collected, they will be isolated from others in a designated area. An employee will stay with them and will wear PPE.
If the child becomes very unwell, we will follow our normal emergency procedures and call 999.
The isolation area will be cleaned once the child has been collected.
7.2 An employee who displays symptoms
In the event of an employee developing coronavirus symptoms whilst at work, they will leave work as soon as possible and isolate at home in line with NHS guidance. They will be required to have a test before they return.
7.3 PPE Equipment
Government guidance is that PPE is not required for general use in nurseries to protect against COVID-19 transmission. Hand washing, effective cleaning and social distancing are the most effective measures. Gloves and aprons will be used for nappy changing and first aid. Aprons will be worn at mealtimes.
7.4 Reporting, testing and tracing
Everyone is now eligible for a COVID-19 test, should they display coronavirus symptoms.
Any suspected or confirmed case must be reported to the Nursery Manager as soon as possible. If a positive result is confirmed, the practitioners and children must self-isolate for 14 days before returning to Playgroup. Positive tests will be reported to the National Institute for Health Protection and Ofsted by the Playgroup Manager.
The Playgroup Manager is responsible for contacting the National Institute for Health Protection if a case is confirmed or if a symptomatic person is admitted to hospital, a possible case refuses testing, there are a cluster of possible cases/unexpected increase in absenteeism or a suspected case has a definite link to a confirmed case.
If there is reasonable evidence that a positive diagnosis was caused by exposure at work, this will be reported to RIDDOR.
If someone in your household, or someone you have close contact with, is contacted by track and trace and told they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, you need to be tested. If they test positive, then you will also need to self-isolate for 14 days even if you do not test positive yourself.
The Government’s tracing app is a way of helping to protect everyone.
8. Further Guidance
Please refer to the websites below for further guidance.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-edcatiional-settings-about-covid-19
www.go.uk/government/publications/actions-for-educational-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020
www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-smptoms
www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/what-to-do-if-you-or-someone-you-live-with-has-coronavirus-symtoms
www.gov.uk/apply-coronavirus-test
It is important that everyone complies with the latest Government guidance on Coronavirus.
We have developed these Safe Operating Procedures based on guidance from the Department of Education and the National Institute for Health Protection specifically for Early Years. It is important that we adapt our everyday practices to ensure that we continue to offer the staff and children a safe environment. Hygiene and social distancing remain the two key elements of infection prevention and control. If any symptoms are displayed, families must be alert and self-isolate for the safety of everyone.
Covid-19 appears to affect young children less often and with less severity. Children’s role in its transmission is unclear but it seems that it is not significant. We will do everything we can to be honest, open and to communicate with you. There will be a lot of anxieties and we acknowledge that it is OK to feel worried and that COVID-19 and the lockdown has had an impact on everyone.
Everyone involved in the day to day running of Playgroup will receive appropriate instruction and training on how to operate under the terms of the Safe Operating Procedures.
We aim to work in partnership with parents and trust that everyone understands and follows these Safe Operating Procedures.
The key principles of these procedures are:
- Any pupil, staff member, parent or visitor with coronavirus symptoms must not attend Playgroup and must isolate at home
- Increased cleaning processes are in place.
- Children and team members will be social distancing as far as possible
- Parents will not come on site or visit Playgroup unless it is absolutely necessary and pre-arranged with the Manager or Deputy Managers.
- The process for settling in sessions will be managed away from the other children but in the main hall.
2. Attendance
Children and staff must not attend Playgroup if they display any coronavirus symptoms, the most common being a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss of taste and smell.
It is important that you seek medical advice if you are unsure.
It is important that children do not attend nursery if unwell for their own wellbeing and for the safety of others. Calpol or other medication that can mask fever symptoms should also not be given before they come to nursery.
If anyone is experiencing any symptoms they cannot return to nursery until they have completed the required isolation period and be symptom free or have achieved a negative test result (proof will be required). Prompt exclusion is essential to preventing the spread of infection. Children and employees who are classed as clinically vulnerable should follow their medical advice before attending nursery.
If you child attends more than one setting you should let Playgroup know as it is recommended that children only attend one setting to avoid cross contamination at this time.
2.1 Drop off and collection of children
Parents are asked to drop off and collect their children at the entrance and not to enter Playgroup. Whilst parents are waiting, it is important to maintain social distancing by keeping a distance of two metres apart. It is encouraged that only one parent drops off and collects the children.
We are planning that all children arrive at the same time, however, we will be reviewing this continuously if things are too congested. Please approach the nursery slowly when driving as there will be parents and children waiting to enter. If you can walk to nursery, please do so.
Children will be assigned to a key family group based on the room they are in
2.2 Temperature and symptom monitoring
Routine temperature testing is not recommended as a reliable method for identifying coronavirus. Parents and employees should follow the NHS guidelines and, in particular, evidence of a high temperature and/or new continuous cough.
2.3 Travel to nursery
It is better not to share transport and to travel by car, bike or walk. Face coverings must be worn on public transport.
2.4 Travel outside of local area
If you or a close contact of yours travels internationally or to an area of the UK under local Covid restrictions, then you must be tested and have a negative result before returning to nursery. This is not limited to countries listed on the current government quarantine list. The only exception is if you have already quarantined for 14 days after your arrival back into the UK.
3. Implementing Social Distancing
It is very difficult to avoid a level of physical interaction with young children and it is important to have their wellbeing at the centre of everything we do. If a child is in need of a hug, then it would not be fair to deny them this. We will do our best to encourage social distancing, for example, by limiting the number of chairs at an activity table or during snack time.
We also ask that all children bring in their own, named, water bottle to be used. Drinks will be offered at intervals to avoid accidental sharing of bottles, however, of course if a child asks for a drink beforehand they will be able to access their bottle.
As we opened on June 1st the staff has already had a return to work induction, however, they will be reminded of the new procedures, good hygiene practices and the importance of social distancing before we open for the Autumn term.
If we have to respond to a fire or emergency lockdown, we will continue to manage social distancing, as far as possible. The safety of the children and employees will always come first.
4. Wellbeing
We know that this is a very unusual and worrying time for everyone and as well as all the safety measures, care and consideration must be taken of the need to ensure that everyone at Playgroup feels safe and secure. We will try our best to create a normal nursery environment and hope that you will bear with us.
We will concentrate on building secure attachments as always, especially with the new starters, and we will continue observing and assessing the children. We will not be able to spend a long time catching up with everyone each day, however, if there is something of importance you would like to speak with your key person about that can be arranged by prior agreement. We want our team to spend time with the children, playing and building their relationships.
We would always speak with you immediately if we had any concerns. If your child is expressing any concerns or worries, it is important that you inform the key person/Nursery Manager.
5. Visitors
5.1 Settling in sessions/transitions
Parents may enter the nursery for the purpose of settling-in sessions. It is important that social distancing continues to be maintained. The parents will not be able to spend time at Playgroup in order to minimise any risk of infection.
5.2 Visitors
Visitors to the nursery will not be encouraged unless it involves a safeguarding issue that cannot be resolved by telephone. Meetings will be conducted via videoconference. There will be no practitioner, parent conferences for the time being and two year old assessments will be handed to parents to look through at home, with any questions being answered via a telephone conference with the key person.
5.3 Playgroup visits for prospective parents
Prospective parents should make use of the Playgroup website for information relating to the ethos and organisation of the Playgroup.
5.4 Contractors
Any contractors to the nursery will be reminded of National Institute for Health Protection guidance prior to entering the building.
6. Health, Hygiene and Safety
6.1 Reducing the spread of the virus
It is recognised that good hygiene and cleaning practices will significantly reduce the spread and transmission of the virus as well as everyone being alert to the symptoms. Doors and windows will be opened as much as possible.
6.2 Cleaning
An enhanced cleaning schedule will be implemented throughout the morning and at the end of the morning.
The rate of hand washing must be significantly increased. Everyone, including children, must wash their hands upon arrival at Playgroup. There will be regular opportunities for hand washing throughout the morning and sanitiser will be used before anyone leaves Playgroup at the end of the morning.
6.3 Use of Tissues
The children will be supported in age-appropriate ways to understand the steps they can take to keep themselves and others safe and this includes sneezing into a tissue (or their arm if immediate) and then to dispose of the tissue. We follow the mantra “Catch It, Bin It, Kill It”.
6.4 Toileting
Hand washing signs are displayed to ensure hand washing is thorough and the practitioners will talk to the children about why we are washing our hands.
6.5 Clothing
All employees and children should wear clean clothing every day. If you have travelled on public transport, it is advised that you change your clothing on arrival at nursery. Children should bring a named bag with a changes of clothing in it.
6.6 Risk assessments
All risk assessments will reflect the risk of transmission of COVID-19. Certain activities will be adapted or removed to reflect this risk e.g. going on shopping trips.
6.7 Items from home
If your child requires a comforter e.g. soft toy or blanket, please bring it in a bag and then take home at the end of the day and wash it. We would prefer no toys or comforters to be brought into nursery but do understand that this could cause distress.
6.8 Resources at Nursery
Toys and resources that are difficult to clean will be removed, including cushions and soft toys. The children will only share toys and activities within their groups. We will aim to sanitise items at the end of each day.
7. Responding to a person displaying symptoms of COVID-19
7.1 A child
If a child is suspected of displaying coronavirus symptoms whilst attending the nursery, they should be collected as soon as possible and isolate at home in line with NHS guidance. The child must be tested before they return.
Whilst waiting to be collected, they will be isolated from others in a designated area. An employee will stay with them and will wear PPE.
If the child becomes very unwell, we will follow our normal emergency procedures and call 999.
The isolation area will be cleaned once the child has been collected.
7.2 An employee who displays symptoms
In the event of an employee developing coronavirus symptoms whilst at work, they will leave work as soon as possible and isolate at home in line with NHS guidance. They will be required to have a test before they return.
7.3 PPE Equipment
Government guidance is that PPE is not required for general use in nurseries to protect against COVID-19 transmission. Hand washing, effective cleaning and social distancing are the most effective measures. Gloves and aprons will be used for nappy changing and first aid. Aprons will be worn at mealtimes.
7.4 Reporting, testing and tracing
Everyone is now eligible for a COVID-19 test, should they display coronavirus symptoms.
Any suspected or confirmed case must be reported to the Nursery Manager as soon as possible. If a positive result is confirmed, the practitioners and children must self-isolate for 14 days before returning to Playgroup. Positive tests will be reported to the National Institute for Health Protection and Ofsted by the Playgroup Manager.
The Playgroup Manager is responsible for contacting the National Institute for Health Protection if a case is confirmed or if a symptomatic person is admitted to hospital, a possible case refuses testing, there are a cluster of possible cases/unexpected increase in absenteeism or a suspected case has a definite link to a confirmed case.
If there is reasonable evidence that a positive diagnosis was caused by exposure at work, this will be reported to RIDDOR.
If someone in your household, or someone you have close contact with, is contacted by track and trace and told they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, you need to be tested. If they test positive, then you will also need to self-isolate for 14 days even if you do not test positive yourself.
The Government’s tracing app is a way of helping to protect everyone.
8. Further Guidance
Please refer to the websites below for further guidance.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-edcatiional-settings-about-covid-19
www.go.uk/government/publications/actions-for-educational-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020
www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-smptoms
www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/what-to-do-if-you-or-someone-you-live-with-has-coronavirus-symtoms
www.gov.uk/apply-coronavirus-test
