Carmel Caterpillars Preschool

Carmel Caterpillars Pre-School

Coronavirus Pandemic Policy 2020

Statement

In accordance with the ongoing updates received from PHE and the DFfE guidance, the following procedures and amendments have been put in place during the Pandemic. 

System of Control

Full details can be found in the Actions for Early Years and Childcare Guidance. 

Prevention

• 1   Minimise contact with individuals who are unwell by ensuring that those who have Coronavirus ( COVID-19) symptoms, or who have someone in their household who does, do NOT ATTEND Pre-School. 
• 2   Use of face coverings by all parents, carers and visitors whilst on the premises. 
• 3   Clean hands thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds and more frequently than usual. 
• 4   Ensure good respiratory hygiene by promoting the " catch it, bin it, kill it" approach
• 5   Introduce enhanced cleaning, including cleaning frequently touched surfaces often, using standard products, such as detergent and bleach. 
• 6   Minimise contact between groups, where possible. 
• 7   Where necessary, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). 

Numbers 1 to 5 must be in place, at all times. 

Number 6 must be properly considered, and Pre-School must put in place measures that suit their particular circumstances. 

Number 7 applies in all specific circumstances. 

Response to any infection

• 8    Engage with the NHS Test and Trace process
• 9    Manage confirmed cases of Coronavirus ( COVID-19) amongst the Pre-School community
• 10  Contain any outbreak by following Local Health Protection Team advice.
• 11  Notify Ofsted

Numbers 8-11 must be followed in every case where they are relevant.

Safe Removal and Disposal of face coverings

• All parents, carers, visitors are asked to wear a face mask whilst in the Pre-School. Pre-School will supply a visitor with a mask if required. 
  
• Visitors are asked to dispose of their face mask appropriately, once they have left the premises. 
• In the event of a member of staff having to wear a face mask, they will wash their hands before putting it on. Once finished they will wash their hands then remove by holding the loops only. They will place in a plastic bag, seal or tie it up, and put it in the bin. They will then wash their hands thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds. 

Visits to the setting from parents, carers, external professionals, and non-staff members. 

• New, prospective parents are unable to look around the Pre-School, but a Virtual Video Tour of the setting is available on the Pre-School public Facebook Group and website.
• New, prospective parents may discuss and ask any questions, by telephone. If a face to face discussion is necessary, this can be arranged by appointment only, and will take place in the Porch area of the setting. The visitor will be required to wear a mask whilst on the premises. 
• In the event of a visitor, essential professional etc, staying on the premises for more than 15 minutes, they will be expected to follow the guidance relevant to the Pre-School. They must wash their hands frequently, keep their visits to the absolute minimum, and observe social distancing at ALL times. They must leave full contact details to support NHS Track and Trace. 

Music sessions within Pre-School

Measures must be put in place when group music activities/sessions take place:

• Playing instruments and singing in groups should take place outdoors, where possible.
• If indoors, limit groups and social distance each child 2 metres apart. 
• If possible, ensure good ventilation, for example opening of windows during these sessions. 
• Avoid the use of wind blowing instruments. 
• Clean and disinfect all musical instruments after use. 

Introduction of enhanced and frequent cleaning. 

• Daily resources, toys, etc will be frequently cleaned during the play session, and after a child coughs, sneezes over them. 
  
• Daily resources, toys etc will be thoroughly cleaned at the end of the morning session, before the new children arrive for the afternoon session. 
• All frequently touched fixtures and fittings will be cleaned regularly throughout the day, and at the end of the session.
• Toilets, sinks and urinals will be cleaned frequently throughout the session, and at the end of the day. 
• Food preparation areas, dining areas etc, will be cleaned before, during, and after use. 
• All soft toys, soft furnishings, bean bags, pillows, carpets and rugs have been removed from the setting. 

Engage with the Track and Trace process

Carmel caterpillars Pre- school understands the NHS Test, Track and Trace process and will ensure that staff members and parents/carers understand that they must be ready, and willing to:

• Book a Test: If anyone is displaying symptoms they must book a test. Staff and children must NOT come in to the setting if they have one, or more of the symptoms, and they will be sent home immediately, to isolate, if they develop them whilst in the setting. 
• Provide details of anyone they have been in close contact with, if they were to test positive for Coronavirus ( COVID-19). Or if asked to do so by Track and Trace. 
• Self isolate if they have been in close contact with someone who tests positive Coronavirus (COVID-19). 

Process in the event of local outbreaks

If our local area sees a spike in infection rates that results in community spread, the appropriate authorities will decide which measures to implement, to help contain the spread. 

DfE will be involved in decisions at a local and national level and will support appropriate authorities and individual settings to follow the health advice.

Staying in touch with parents/carers who's child is at home

• Support the learning of children that are unable to attend the Pre-School
•  Support parents to provide a positive learning environment at home, where required. 
• Direct parents to online resources and information to support their learning. 
• Provide information and links to activities and resources via our closed Facebook group.
• We will work with local authorities to monitor the welfare of vulnerable children unable to attend Pre-School, and other children we may wish to keep in touch with, for safeguarding purposes. 

The original of this document was signed on behalf of Carmel Caterpillars Pre-School Committee by the current Chairperson.