As we return to our nursery, we would like to share with you some of the procedures that will be in place to keep all us us safe.
On returning, children will be allocated to a ’bubble’ along with the correct ratio of staff within the room. The difference being, the ‘bubbles’ will not mix with other bubbles throughout the day and the staff will not mix between rooms at all. A nominated staff member will be there to care for them.
As more children return, we will make new ‘bubbles’ and bring back more staff.
For drop off and collection, we are allocating staggered times to parents and staff. A member from management will collect the children from the carpark and take the child to their allocated ‘bubble’. Please be on time to drop off and collect your child at your allocated time given by the nursery as your child will be ready to go. This is to ensure minimal risk. Once the doors have been closed we are unable to accept your child for that day.
Control Measures
Here are some of the things we have implemented in to our new routine.
*Hygiene routines will be stepped up and staff will prepare individualised routines for frequent daily cleaning.
*We will keep doors open to provide good ventilation in rooms.
*We continue with our frequent hand washing.
*While practitioners strive to social distance, we won’t neglect your children’s mental health. We will cuddle your children when they ask us to
*PPE will be worn as usual in line with nappy changing policy.
*’Bubbles’ of children will have their own toys which will be cleaned at regular intervals.
*All bins to be doubled bagged.
*All loose part play items that cannot easily be washed and dried will be removed.
*All soft furnishings to be removed from the rooms.
*Linen such as bibs and flannels should be supplied by the parents and sent home in a doubled bagged nappy sack to be cleaned daily.
* Please note we are only able to use disposable nappies at this present time. During this time we will not be able to toilet train, children will be taken in their bubbles frequently. Each bubble will be allocated their own toilets and sinks to use.
*All toys will be washed after each play.
*Door handles etc will continue to be wiped regularly. An allocated person will be nominated to do this.
*We will sit children at a social distance as best we can during mealtimes. Children will be encouraged to sit at their own table.
*Water bottles will be removed and an hydration station introduced. Children will be able to use disposable cups and dispose of them immediately into the bin. Water will be offered in a jug that will be cleaned regularly throughout the day. Younger children will be offered regular drinks sitting down at their table. Juice will be offered at lunchtimes and teatimes.
*Please can parents supply sun cream and hats to remain at nursery. We are asking parents to apply it in the morning before nursery and we will top up in the afternoon. Please supply a labelled spray suncream along with a hat. These will stay at nursery.
*The nursery garden will be segregated into ‘bubble’ areas and times will be set that your children will play in the garden.
*All children are having packed lunches during this time. We are asking parents to supply this in a plastic container so this can be wiped over as soon as it is brought in. If food requires chilling then an ice pack must be supplied. Please note we are unable to heat up any food at this time.
*Please supply spare clothes in a plastic bag and we will transfer over into a nursery bag at the start of the day. When dirty these will be doubled bagged and sent home on that day.
*No comforters or blankets or toys from home. We appreciate this will be extremely difficult for some children, but we have to minimise the risk of cross infection.
*We are unable to take any cloth bags into the nursery. Please only supply a plastic bag for the change of clothes this will be disposed of and replaced in a nursery bag.
*No administration of medicines of any form.
*We will adopt a zero tolerance for illness and any child with a temperature will be sent home for a period of seven days. We will not make exceptions for what could be teething or colds as we just don’t know.
These are just a few examples but those that we feel are some of the most important.
With regards to drop off and collection we are allocating times to parents and staff. A member from management will collect the children from the carpark and take the child to their allocated ‘bubble’. Please take your child out of the car and stand with them safely. A member from management will approach from a distance taking one child at a time. Please be on time to drop off and collect your child at your allocated time given by the nursery as your child will be ready to go. If you miss your allocated time slot you will be asked to wait until all the bubbles have arrived into their rooms. This is to ensure minimal risk. Once the doors have been closed we are unable to accept your child for that day. All children will be entering through our back entrances and the main door will not be being used for children.
I’m sure you can appreciate we are doing our best in difficult times and there may be other changes as we go along.
Thankyou
Claire, Jenni and the rest of the team
