COVID-19-Corona Virus Outbreak early 2020 policy (07/07/2020)
Due to the outbreak of Corona Virus in the UK, the health warning issued by Public Health England and by the Early Years Team at the Local Authority, I thought it would be wise to put together a policy to cover this outbreak with regard to my setting.
I will follow the advice from the Government, Public health England and my Local Authority in relation to exclusions, travel and quarantine arrangements.
My current hygiene policy is here and I will follow some extra precautions whilst the outbreak is ongoing-
- All the children will be taught to effectively wash their hands, following the guidance from the government, whilst singing Happy birthday (20 seconds or more) Younger children will be supervised and assisted whilst washing, older children will be initially taught the correct way and then reminded each time to wash correctly.
- The correct method of catch it, (in a tissue) bin it, kill it will be followed.
- Whilst on trips and outings extra vigilance will be paid to hand washing prior to eating, touching things in public places and again after using the toilet.
- Toys will be cleaned more frequently to keep risk at a minimum.
I ask that parents be vigilant whilst out and about with their children and follow the same hygiene rules.
Parents must notify me if they, their child, or anyone within their family has come into direct contact with someone who has coronavirus and have been advised to self-isolate.
Likewise, I will do the same.
If you, or anyone who lives in your house, including children, has recently returned from a place where coronavirus has been identified, the government policy on this location must be followed.
Here are some specific details for my setting should our local schools become affected.
- If your child’s or my child’s school closes temporarily for a precautionary deep clean due to coronavirus, then I will remain open and full fees will be payable.
- If you child’s or my child’s school closes as a precaution due to coronavirus, I will follow official guidelines on this matter. If none are given, I will remain open and full fees will be payable.
- If your child’s school closes due to coronavirus being identified there and it is necessary for your child to enter an isolation period (currently 14 days), then I will remain open and full fees will be payable.
- If my child’s college closes due to coronavirus being identified there and it is necessary for my child to enter an isolation period (currently 14 days), I will follow official guidelines on this matter and will notify you accordingly as to whether the whole setting needs to close and if fees are still due.
- If my partner, or anyone else who lives in my home (not of school age), has come into direct contact with someone who has coronavirus and it is necessary for them to self-isolate, then I will follow official guidelines on this matter and will notify you accordingly as to whether the whole setting needs to close and if fees are still due.
- If I have come into contact with someone with coronavirus and need to self-isolate, then my setting will be closed, and no fees will be payable as I am unable work.
- If I return from a place where coronavirus has been identified, the government policy on this location must be followed, If this includes self-isolation, then my setting will be closed, and no fees will be payable as I am unable to work.
- If you, or anyone who lives in your house, including children, has come into contact with someone with coronavirus and it is necessary for them to self-isolate, your child will not be able to attend my setting for the duration of the isolation period, but full fees will be payable as I am able to work.
- If you, or anyone who lives in your house, including children, has returned from a place where coronavirus has been identified, the government policy on this location must be followed, If this includes self -isolation, then your child will not be able to attend my setting for the duration of the isolation period, but full fees will be payable as I am able to work.
- If you choose to keep your child at home as a precautionary measure and I remain open, then full fees are still payable.
If any scenarios arise that are not covered here, they will be dealt with professionally and considerably to ensure the well-being of those involved and minimal disruption.
For official and up to date advice about coronavirus please see the NHS website (NHS.uk) or the government’s website here.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Heidi Sharp
7th July 2020
