Important information about infectious diseases
As you will be well aware, the world is currently facing an outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus, COVID-19. This epidemic is understandably a cause for concern as it continues to spread throughout the UK, with the long-term effects on individual’s health and the economy still unknown.
However, there is no reason for panic. Through careful planning and precautionary measures, we can prepare to minimise any disruption to daily life should wide-spread infection occur.
This guidance sets out the measures that Castle Lane Day Nursery is putting in place and the steps that parents and carers can take to reduce the spread.
We will continue to send you up to date information as the situation progresses via our app, Facebook and internal posters.
Thank you all for your full co-operation in this matter.
Castle Lane Response, Policies and Procedures
Precautionary measures in place
- We have displayed government guidance to parents and carers and will continue to update as new information emerges. For up to date information please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
- Increased hand washing practices within the setting and awareness of cross-contamination, focusing on ‘catch it, kill it, bin it’.
- Introduction of age-appropriate information relating to health and hygiene and practising good hand washing techniques.
- Asking all visitors to sanitise their hands on entry to the nursery and before/after school care.
- Disinfecting high contact areas such as door handles and intercom buzzers at regular intervals throughout the day, concentrating on busier periods such as early morning/ late afternoon.
- Tightening sickness and exclusion policies and procedures for unwell children, with a strict 7 day exclusion for temperature or cough symptoms.
Policies and Procedures
- Any child or staff member with a fever or new/recent dry cough will be sent home. We class fever as a temperature above 38 °c or above 37.5 and showing symptoms of fever such as shivering and lethargy.
- Any child or member of staff showing signs and symptoms of infectious diseases will be sent home, recommended to call 111 and self isolate for 7 days.
- Any child or staff member returning from travel from the government listed ‘risk areas’ will be excluded from the setting, following the latest government advice found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
- Any child or staff member that becomes ill with symptoms of COVID-19 or that has been in close contact with a person which has been confirmed to have COVID-19 will be excluded, following the latest government advice found at http://www.gov.uk/government/publoications/guidance-to-education-settings-about-covid-19/guidance-to-education-setting-about-covid-19
- Fees will remain payable for any child that is absent from the setting due to sickness of any kind, in line with our terms and conditions.
- In the event of unavoidable closure of Castle Lane Day Nursery or Breakfast/After School club, due to external circumstance out of our control e.g. government enforced closure: We will follow guidance issued in relation to small business and educational setting. We will however, be as transparent and compassionate as feasible. Can we please ask our parents to also understand and appreciate the impact a forced closure could have on the future sustainability of our business.
Advice for parents, carers and families
- Follow all guidance and policies set by Castle Lane Day Nursery Ltd and keep up to date with latest government advice.
- If you or your child is unwell with fever and cold/flu like symptoms, please keep away from the setting for a minimum of 7 days.
- If you have recently traveled or have future travel plans abroad, please update the setting as to your destination and return dates. If you are traveling to any area listed on the government specified countries list then you MUST inform the setting before you return. Listed areas can be found here: http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-specified-countries-and-areas/covid-19-specified-countries-and-areas-with-implications-for-returning-travellors-or-visitors-arriving-in-the-uk
- If you have been in contact with anyone with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, then you MUST inform the setting immediately. Appropriate action will be taken, dependent on individual circumstances and current guidance.
- Sanitise your hands upon entry to the nursery or breakfast/after school club.
Please exercise good hygiene procedures!
- Wash your and your child’s hands regularly, using hot, soapy water for a minimum of 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your and your child’s face
- Use tissues when coughing and sneezing and dispose of safely.
Catch it, kill it, bin it!
Many thanks
Vikki, Harriet and the Castle Lane Team.