Coronavirus Policy

Due to the recent events surrounding Coronavirus, this is the policy that the preschool will now be using. We are following the government guidelines regarding coronavirus with immediate effect.

Current Guidelines can be found here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1056993/20220223_EY_guidance.pdf

Key Changes:
Staff will not be required to do twice weekly LFT
A child with the key symptoms of COVID-19 should not attend the setting, given the potential risk to others. We have a duty of care to our staff and children.
If your child has any of the main symptoms of COVID-19, even if they're mild:
- Get a PCR test (test that is sent to a lab) to check if they have COVID-19 as soon as possible.
- Your child should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you get the test result.
- Children and staff, including children aged 0 to 4 years, should return to the setting as soon as they can, in line with guidance for People with COVID-19 and their contacts which can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-people-with-covid-19-and-their-contacts

What is a coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a common type of virus. They typically cause fever and a cough, which may progress to more severe pneumonia, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties in some people, according to Public Health England (PHE).

Novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei province, China. The current evidence is that most cases appear to be mild and most of those who have died in Wuhan appear to have had pre-existing health conditions.

Because little is known about this new strain of the virus, it is not clear how it is spread, however, similar viruses tend to be spread by coughs and sneezes – so the way the infection gains entry to the body is the same as the way it exits and spreads to others.

It is also possible that the virus may be spread by touching a surface or object that has been coughed or sneezed on by someone with the virus – such as by touching a doorknob or shaking hands with someone and then touching your face.

There is currently no specific cure for the new Coronavirus so treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms.

It is important to remember that the risk of getting the illness is still unlikely.

The chief medical officers for the UK have been preparing the UK and have already put in place robust infection control measures to respond immediately. The NHS is well-prepared and used to managing infections and are already working to quickly identify any contacts of the patients confirmed to have the virus, to prevent further spread.

Cleaning and disinfecting in the setting:

Parents and carers will be asked to do a handover at the door at drop off and collection.
All children and adults will sanitise or preferably wash their hands as they enter the setting, before they eat, after going outside, after wiping their nose or coughing and using the toilet. In addition adults will sanitise their hands frequently during the day.
The kitchen, garden, rooms and bathrooms will be disinfected daily using a disinfectant In addition an antiviral surface cleaner will be sprayed which kills Covid-19.
Our usual cleaning routine will continue with extra care given to high touch points. All toys and equipment are sprayed with an antiviral spray.
All staff are double vaccinated against the virus and most have had the booster.
Snack is pre-prepared as a way to reduce the possible spread of germs, specifically, covid-19.

Illness and exclusion periods:

If your child is showing any symptoms of the coronavirus including a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and/or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste you will need to arrange for a PCR test. Fees are applied as normal if the nursery is open.
Under-18s, irrespective of their vaccination status, and double vaccinated adults will not need to self-isolate if they are a close contact of a positive case.
Children and staff, including children aged 0 to 4 years, should return to the setting as soon as they can, in line with guidance for People with COVID-19 and their contacts which can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-people-with-covid-19-and-their-contacts