As coronavirus is still present
in the community, measures need to be in place prior to, and
upon, opening to ensure the safety of staff, children, parents and essential visitors
to the setting.
Throughout this policy, the terms Coronavirus or Covid-19
will be used to identify the virus. Regardless of the term used, they are both
referring to the same illness and virus.
Statement
of Intent
Stepping Stones Pre-School is committed to maintaining the
health and safety of children, staff, parents and essential visitors during the
Covid-19 outbreak. We adhere to relevant Government guidance, to ensure that
the risk of transmission of Covid-19 within the setting is managed and
minimised. The safety of everyone at the setting is our main priority at this
time.
Aim
The aim of this policy is to ensure the safety of Stepping
Stones children, staff, parents and visitors whilst the setting is open during
the Covid-19 outbreak. Covid-19 can be spread directly (through close contact,
sneezing and coughing) or indirectly (through touching contaminated surfaces)
The
Legal Framework for this is:
Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework (2017)
The Children Act 1989
Coronavirus Act 2020
Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984
Linked
Documents / Policies
Ø Covid
risk assessment
Ø Risk
assessment for the management of groups within the setting
Ø Covid
Procedure
Ø Absence
policy
Ø Health
and Safety policy
Ø Bereavement
policy
Ø Procedure
for returning to work after a period of absence
Ø Working
from home during the coronavirus outbreak policy
Ø Safeguarding
Children and Child Protection policy
Ø Curriculum
policy
Ø Special
Educational Needs policy
Ø Attendance
policy
Ø Resources
risk assessment
Ø Lockdown
policy
Ø Fire
evacuation procedures
Ø Sun
safety policy
Ø Stepping
Stones Emergency Plan
Ø Would
you send your child to Stepping Stones? – parental flow chart
Ø What
to do if a child tests positive for Covid-19 – Dept of Education
Government
Guidance:
·
Cleaning in non-healthcare settings outside the
home – 16.10.2020
·
Safer Travel Guidance for Passengers – 11.2.2021
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers
·
Early Years Foundation Stage: Coronavirus
Disapplications – 15.1.2021
·
How to wear and make a cloth face covering –
15.7.2020
·
Coronavirus: getting tested – 27.2.2021
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested
·
Covid-19 guidance for households with possible
Coronavirus infection – 15.2.2021
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance
·
Stay at home: Guidance for households with
possible or confirmed Covid-19 infection – 15.2.2021
·
Get Well Soon Coronavirus - 29.4.2020
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p08bmd70/get-well-soon-coronavirus
·
Symptoms of coronavirus – 18.2.2021
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/
·
Quick guide to donning and doffing standard PPE
poster – 2.4.20
·
Safe working in education, childcare and
children’s social care settings including the use of Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) – 1.3.2021
·
Actions for Early Years and Childcare providers
during the Coronavirus outbreak – February 2021
·
Putting on and
removing PPE- a guide for health and social care settings – 2.4.20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GncQ_ed-9w&feature=youtu.be
·
Working safely during Coronavirus – 26.2.2021
https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus/returning-to-the-workplace
·
Covid-19 Local Outbreak Plans Education and
Early Year Settings (Staffordshire County Council) – June 2020
·
NHS Test and Trace Service in the workplace – 2.2.2021
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-workplace-guidance
·
NHS Test and Trace: how it works – 11.1.2021
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-how-it-works
·
Keeping children safe in education – 18.1.2021
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2
·
Help children aged 2-4 to learn at home during
Coronavirus (Covid 19) -16.7.20
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-children-aged-2-to-4-to-learn-at-home-during-coronavirus-covid-19
·
Safeguarding children and protecting
professionals in early years settings: online safety guidance for practitioners
– 4.2.19
·
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Meeting with others
safely (social distancing) – 7.1.2021
·
Coronavirus: travel corridors – 11.2.2021
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors
·
Covid-19: guidance on shielding and protecting
people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable – 25.2.2021
·
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): employer guide
https://www.gov.uk/employers-sick-pay
·
Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay
paid to employees due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) – 10.11.20
·
DBS Update Service
https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service
·
COVID-19 contain
framework: a guide for local decision makers – 29.12.2020
·
What to do if a
child or adult is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) – February 2021
·
First aid during the coronavirus pandemic –
8.1.2021 https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/first-aid-and-medicals/first-aid-certificate-coronavirus.htm
·
Working safely during coronavirus – 10.2.2021
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/performing-arts
·
Ventilation and air conditioning during the
coronavirus pandemic – 3.12.2020
https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/equipment-and-machinery/air-conditioning-and-ventilation.htm
·
COVID-19: review of disparities in risks and
outcomes – 11.8.2020
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-review-of-disparities-in-risks-and-outcomes
·
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for pregnant
employees – 26.2.2021
·
Education and Childcare settings: national
lockdown from 5th January 2021 – 5.1.2021
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/958670/Education_and_childcare_settings_national_lockdown_from_5_January_2021.pdf
·
Coronavirus (Covid 19): Test to Release for
International Travel – 18.1.21
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-test-to-release-for-international-travel
Symptoms
of coronavirus / Covid-19:
Ø A new
persistent cough
Ø A
temperature above 37.8°C
Ø Loss
or change to your sense of smell or taste (anosmia)
Most people who develop coronavirus have at least one of
these symptoms. More information can be found on: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/
Staff
responsibilities and deputies in relation to this policy
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) – Ruth Kitchen
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) – Rose Dodd
SENCO – Rose Dodd
Deputy SENCO – Kerri Standen
Health and Safety – Kirsty Gibson
Deputy Health and Safety – Rose Dodd
Paediatric First Aid Qualified (12hour) – Rose Dodd, Ruth
Kitchen, Kirsty Gibson, Lucy Bayliss
The responsibilities of Stepping Stones as a
setting during the outbreak
Stepping Stones is responsible for:
Ø safeguarding
– working together with local agencies and services to actively look for signs
of harm given the greater risk of harm that some children may have been exposed
to through coronavirus (COVID-19)
Ø supporting
the learning and development of - and caring for - children who attend, as set
out in the early years foundation stage (EYFS) framework
Ø in the
case of vulnerable children, particularly those with social workers, we
continue to encourage these children to attend regularly and will notify their
social worker if they stop attending
Ø planning
and implementing the system of controls, building on the hierarchy of
protective measures that have been in use throughout coronavirus (COVID-19)
Risk assessment
The Chair of the Village Hall committee (Tony Jones) is the
named responsible person for Health and Safety on the Village Hall management
committee. Our Health and Safety Officer (or deputy in her absence) is
responsible for carrying out and recording the setting’s Health and Safety checks.
In addition to these regular checks, we have risk assessments in place for each
activity planned for the children, to allow us to assess the risk posed by
Covid-19 and put into place proportionate control measures. We actively monitor
that the controls are effective, working as planned and updated as appropriate
(for example when an issue is identified) or when there are changes to public
health advice; or half termly as a minimum.
We ensure that when risk assessing, we consider the risks
faced by staff and children with protected characteristics (for example age,
sex, deprivation levels, ethnicity and occupation).
System of controls: protective measures
We adopt the following protective measures in a way that
addresses the risks posed by coronavirus, works for our setting, and in line
with the learning and development needs of children. This includes full
educational and care support for children who have SEND.
We:
Ø ensure
that all staff understand the system of controls and how they are applied in
the setting. Time should be taken for staff to review the actions in the system
of controls and ask questions
Ø ensure
that parents and carers are aware of the system of controls, how this impacts
them and their responsibilities in supporting it
By following the guidance on the system of controls, we
will effectively reduce the transmission risk of Covid-19 in the setting and
create an inherently safer environment.
Infection Prevention and Control
We aim to manage and limit the transmission of Covid-19
through adopting this system of controls. We will always consider:
1. Minimising
contact with individuals who are required to self isolate by ensuring they do
not attend Stepping Stones.
2.
Use of face coverings
in recommended circumstances
3. Clean
hands more thoroughly and more often than usual
4. Ensure
good respiratory hygiene for everyone by adopting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill
it’ approach
5. Maintain
enhanced cleaning of the setting, including frequently touched surfaces often,
using standard detergents and bleach
6. Minimising
contact across the setting and maintaining social distance whenever possible
7. Keep
occupied spaces well ventilated
In specific circumstances, we will:
8. Ensure
that individuals are wearing appropriate PPE where needed
Response to any infection
We will always ensure that we are:
9. Engaging
with NHS Test and Trace process
10. Manage
and report to Ofsted and Public Health England advice line (0800 046 8687) any
confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the setting community
11. Contain
any outbreaks by following local health protection team advice
In the event that Stepping Stones has to close due to
confirmed case(s) of Covid, our Covid risk assessments would be thoroughly reviewed
prior to re-opening.
Close contacts
A ‘contact’ is a person who has
been close to someone who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) with a
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test. Anyone can be a contact anytime from 2
days before the person who tested positive developed their symptoms, and up to
10 days after, as this is when they can pass the infection on to others.
A close contact
includes:
·
anyone who lives in
the same household as someone with coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or who has
tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19)
·
anyone who has had
any of the following types of contact with someone who has tested positive for
coronavirus (COVID-19) with a PCR test:
Ø face-to-face contact including being coughed on or
having a face-to-face conversation within 1 metre skin-to-skin physical contact
for any length of time
Ø been within 1 metre for 1 minute or longer without
face-to-face contact
Ø been within 2 metres of someone for more than 15
minutes (either as a one-off contact or added up together over 1 day)
Ø travelled in the same vehicle or a plane
We keep records to help us
identify these people. We keep records of:
·
which children and
staff are in the setting on which dates. We have an attendance register that
will be used for this.
·
any close contact
that takes place between children and staff. We record which members of staff
has changed which children’s nappies, carried out intimate care procedures and
applied sun cream to children.
In the event of a spike in
infection rates that results in a localised community spread, we will follow
government advice to help to contain the spread. Should a larger restriction of
attendance be needed, we will endeavour to support the learning and development
of our children remotely.
Household members of those staff
and children sent home do not need to self-isolate unless the child or staff
member who is self-isolating subsequently develops symptoms.
System
of controls: prevention
1.
Minimising
contact with individuals who are required to self isolate by ensuring they do
not attend Stepping Stones.
Children, staff and
other adults must not come into the setting if:
Ø they have one or more coronavirus (COVID-19)
symptoms
Ø a member of their household (including someone in
their support bubble or
childcare bubble
if they have one) has coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms
Ø they are required to quarantine having recently
visited countries outside the
Common Travel
Area
Ø they have had a positive test
When an individual
develops coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or has a positive test:
Ø children, staff and other adults must not come into
Stepping Stones if they have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms for at least 10
full days from:
·
the day after the
start of their symptoms
·
the test date if they
did not have any symptoms but have had a positive test
Anyone
developing symptoms during the day will be sent home. These are essential
actions to reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).
If anyone in the
setting becomes unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature, or
has a loss of, or change in, their normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
they:
·
must be sent home to
begin isolation, the isolation period includes the day the symptoms started and
the next 10 full days - if any of the individual’s household members are also
present at the setting they will need to be sent home at the same time
·
are advised to follow
guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19)
infection
·
should arrange to
have a test to see if they have coronavirus (COVID-19) - those prioritised for
testing include education and childcare workers. The whole household must
self-isolate if any member of the household is awaiting a test / results of a
test.
·
other members of
their household (including any siblings) should isolate. Their isolation period
includes the day the first person in their household’s symptoms started (or the
day their test was taken if they did not have symptoms), and the next 10 full
days.
If a child is
awaiting collection:
·
they should be moved,
if possible, to a room where they can be isolated behind a closed door with
appropriate adult supervision
·
if it is safe to do
so, a window / door should be opened for ventilation
·
if it is not possible
to isolate them behind a closed door, they will be moved to an area which is at
least 2 metres away from other people
·
if they need to go to
the toilet while waiting to be collected, they should be taken to a separate
bathroom if possible - the bathroom should be cleaned and disinfected using
standard cleaning products before being used by anyone else
·
PPE must be worn by
staff caring for the child while they await collection if a distance of 2
metres cannot be maintained (such as for a very young child or a child with
complex needs)
·
as is the usual
practice, in an emergency situation call 999 if someone is seriously ill or
injured or their life is at risk
When an child / staff
member has had close contact with someone with coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms
·
any member of staff
who has provided close contact care to a child with symptoms, all other members of staff or
children who have been in close contact with the symptomatic person, do not
need to go home to self-isolate.
·
they must, however,
self-isolate if the symptomatic person subsequently tests positive; they develop
symptoms themselves (in which case they should arrange for a test); they are
requested to do so by NHS Test and Trace or the PHE advice service (or PHE local
health protection team if escalated)
Everyone must wash their hands
thoroughly for 20 seconds with soap and running water or use hand sanitiser
after any contact with someone who is unwell. The area around the person with
symptoms must be cleaned after they have left to reduce the risk of passing the
infection on to other people. See cleaning section of this policy.
Evidence from PHE shows that
routinely taking the temperature of children is not recommended as this is an
unreliable method for identifying coronavirus (COVID-19).
2.
Ensure
face coverings are used, in recommended circumstances
Stepping Stones staff will
not routinely wear face coverings. Face coverings are not necessary when adults
are interacting with children, even if social distancing is not possible. Face
coverings may have a negative impact on interactions between staff and
children, and their use when interacting with children in the setting will be
avoided (unless the member of staff is interacting with / caring for a child
who is potentially symptomatic of Covid-19).
The government is not
recommending universal use of face coverings in early years education settings
because the system of controls, provides additional mitigating measures. Stepping
Stones staff are required to wear a face mask whilst in communal areas of the
Village Hall, for example, using the toilets.
PHE advises
that for health and safety reasons, face coverings should not be used for
children under three. In addition, misuse may inadvertently increase the risk
of transmission and there may also be negative effects on communication and
thus children’s development.
Should a visit to the
setting during opening hours be unavoidable, Stepping Stones reserves the right
to request that the visitor(s) wear a face covering.
Stepping Stones expects
staff to have access to their own face coverings. However, in the event that a
staff member struggles to find one, forgets it, or it becomes soiled / unsafe
to use there is a small contingency supply in the PPE drawer in the double door
cupboard.
Exemptions
Some individuals are exempt
from wearing a face covering. These exemptions would apply in Stepping Stones
as well. This exemption applies to those who:
·
cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or
mental illness or impairment, or a disability
·
speak to, or provide assistance to, someone who relies on lip reading,
clear sound or facial expression to communicate
Wearing a face covering
Face coverings must:
·
cover both nose and mouth
·
not be allowed to dangle around the neck
·
not be touched once put on, except when carefully removed before
disposal
·
be changed when they become moist or damaged
·
be worn once and then discarded - hands must be cleaned after disposal
Safe removal and
disposal of face coverings
We have a process for removing face
coverings when staff or visitors who use face coverings arrive at the setting,
and when face coverings are worn at the setting in certain circumstances. This
process is communicated to staff and visitors. Safe wearing of face coverings
requires cleaning of hands before and after touching – including to remove or
put them on – and the safe storage of them in individual, sealable plastic bags
between use. Where a face covering becomes damp, it should not be worn and the
face covering should be replaced carefully. Used disposable face coverings will
be discarded of in a lidded bin, unless they have been worn near someone who is
symptomatic of Covid-19. In this case, they will be double bagged and put into
storage for 72 hours before throwing in the outside bin.
3. Ensure
everyone is advised to clean their hands more thoroughly and more often than
usual
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an
easy virus to kill when it is on the skin. This can be done with soap and
running water or hand sanitiser.
When we wash our hands, we
wash thoroughly for 20 seconds with running water and soap and dry them
thoroughly using a disposable paper towel, or use alcohol hand rub or sanitiser
ensuring that all parts of the hands are covered.
Staff and children all clean
their hands regularly, including:
·
when they arrive
at the setting
·
when they return
from breaks
·
when they
re-enter the building after playing outside
·
before and after
eating
·
after using the
toilet
·
after blowing
their nose, coughing, sneezing or putting their hands near their mouth or face
There are enough hand
washing or hand sanitiser stations available so that all children and staff can
clean their hands regularly. There are two sinks in the toilet cubicles, plus
two in the kitchen area.
The use of hand sanitiser is
closely supervised, given risks around ingestion. Young children will be helped
to clean their hands properly with both soap and sanitiser. Handwashing /
sanitising will be closely monitored by staff to ensure that children develop
the correct technique.
Handwashing routines are
built into the setting culture and are very much part of our daily timetable.
4.
Ensure good respiratory hygiene for everyone by promoting the ‘catch it, bin
it, kill it’ approach
The ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’
approach continues to be very important. We ensure that we have enough tissues
and bins available in the setting to support children and staff to implement
this routine. Tissues are put immediately into a disposable rubbish bag and
hands are cleaned straight away with soap and water or hand sanitiser. As with
hand cleaning, we work with the younger children and help them to get this
right. These routines are embedded so that all children understand that this is
now part of how we operate.
Children are encouraged to cough
or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow (not their hands) and to wash their
hands afterwards.
5.
Maintain enhanced cleaning, including cleaning frequently touched surfaces
often using standard products, such as detergents and bleach
In line with the risk assessment and
timetabling of the day, we have a cleaning schedule that ensures cleaning is
generally enhanced and includes:
·
more frequent
cleaning of rooms that are used by different groups
·
frequently touched
surfaces being cleaned more often than normal
·
clear procedures for
maintaining cleaning processes for food preparation areas and dining areas
·
different groups do
not need to be allocated their own toilets, but toilets are cleaned regularly
and children are encouraged to clean their hands thoroughly after using the
toilet
6. Consider
how to minimise contact across the setting and maintain social distance
wherever possible
Stepping Stones can run according
to normal group sizes. This is because the overall risk to children from
coronavirus (COVID-19) is low and because we are a small setting. We run two
groups from January 2021, and these two groups will be based in different rooms
for four days out of the five. On one day, however, there will be a mixture of
children from both groups in the same room, as well as three staff from both
groups. Therefore, we will be operating as two separate groups within one
combined bubble. The groups will stay apart as much as possible, but there will
be some overlap due to the nature of our setting.
7. Keeping
occupied spaces well ventilated
We ensure that Stepping Stones is
well ventilated, and a comfortable teaching and learning environment is
maintained. We achieve this using a variety of measures, including:
·
a mechanical
ventilation system in the main hall. This is adjusted to increase the
ventilation rate wherever possible and checked by the Village Hall committee to
confirm that normal operation meets current guidance. The system will be
operated so that it brings air from the outside into the main hall.
·
natural ventilation –
opening windows and doors (ensuring this does not pose a safeguarding risk). In colder weather, windows are opened just
enough to provide constant background ventilation and periodically opened more
fully when it is safe to do so to purge the air in the space.
Further advice on this can be
found in Health and Safety Executive guidance on air conditioning and
ventilation during the coronavirus outbreak on this link: https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/equipment-and-machinery/air-conditioning-and-ventilation.htm
To balance the need for increased
ventilation while maintaining a comfortable temperature, the following measures
are used as appropriate:
·
opening high level
windows in preference to low level to reduce draughts
·
increasing the ventilation
while spaces are unoccupied
·
re-arranging
furniture where possible to avoid direct draughts
·
heating used as
necessary to ensure comfort levels are maintained, particularly in occupied
spaces.
8.
Ensure individuals wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when
necessary
Reference to PPE means:
·
fluid-resistant
surgical face masks
·
disposable gloves
·
disposable plastic
aprons
·
eye protection (for
example a face visor or goggles)
Where full PPE is recommended,
this means that:
·
a face mask should be
worn if a distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained from someone with symptoms
of coronavirus
·
if contact is
necessary, then gloves, an apron and a face mask should be worn
·
if a risk assessment
determines that there is a risk of fluids entering the eye from, for example,
coughing, spitting or vomiting, then eye protection should also be worn
When PPE is used, it is essential
that it is used properly. This includes scrupulous hand hygiene and following
guidance on how to put PPE on and take it off safely in order to reduce
self-contamination. For instructions, see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safe-working-in-education-childcare-and-childrens-social-care/safe-working-in-education-childcare-and-childrens-social-care-settings-including-the-use-of-personal-protective-equipment-ppe. This information will be displayed on the cupboard
doors and in the toilets for staff to refer to. There is a Public Health
England / NHS video showing how to put on and take off PPE on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GncQ_ed-9w&feature=youtu.be
9. Promote and
engage with asymptomatic testing when appropriate
Families and staff of Stepping
Stones will be able to access lateral flow tests to be done at home twice a
week, and are able to participate in non-symptomatic community testing
programmes. As critical workers, staff will be prioritised where possible for community
testing. This non symptomatic testing is encouraged, but not compulsory.
System
of controls: response to any infection
10. Engage with the NHS Test and Trace process
We fully engage with the NHS Test
and Trace process. We inform staff and parents that they must:
·
book a test if they
are displaying symptoms - the main symptoms are a high temperature, a new
continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
·
not come into the
setting if they have symptoms. They must be sent home to self-isolate if they
develop them in the setting. All children can be tested if they have symptoms,
including children under 5.
·
provide details of
anyone they have been in close contact with if they were to test positive for
coronavirus (COVID-19) or if asked by NHS Test and Trace
·
self-isolate if they
(or anyone in their support / childcare bubble) develop symptoms. have been in
close contact with someone who tests positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), have
returned from the UK from certain other countries.
·
Anyone who displays
symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) can and should get a test. Tests can be
booked online through the NHS website, or ordered by telephone via NHS 119 for
those without access to internet.
Essential workers, which includes
anyone involved in education or childcare, have priority access to testing.
It is down to individual choice
if parents and staff members choose to download and use the free NHS Test and
Trace App.
In case of a positive test,
parents and staff need to follow the guidance set out in the following
document: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance.
11.
Manage and report to Ofsted and the PHE advice line confirmed cases of
coronavirus (COVID-19) in the setting community
Confirmed cases must
be reported to:
·
The Local Authority
Response Team and/or Public Health England as per the Staffordshire County
Council guidelines ‘Covid-19 Local Outbreak Plans Education and Early Year
Settings’. In summary:
Ø An outbreak constitutes 2 or more confirmed or
suspect cases within a 14 day period.
Ø An outbreak will be reported to both Public Health
England and the Local Authority Response Team immediately. PHE will be notified
through https://surveys.phe.org.uk/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=n4KL97m2I or by telephone to 0344 225 3560 (opt 0 opt 2)
Ø Individual cases and an overall rise in sickness
absence where coronavirus (COVID-19) is suspected, could signify that the
setting has an outbreak. This will be reported to the LA Response Team ONLY
(C19LocalOutbreakControl@staffordshire.gov.uk)
General enquiries around cases /
outbreaks can be made via the Education and Early Years Outbreak Team
(C19LOC.education@staffordshire.gov.uk / 01785 355777).
In these cases, the Local Health
Protection Team will provide advice on who to send home (if needed) In all
cases, the names of the person(s) who have tested positive will NOT be shared
with parents and carers unless it is essential to protect others.
Public Health England will
contact Stepping Stones if they are aware that someone who should be isolating
is at the setting.
Public Health England
DfE helpline
If there is a confirmed case in
the setting, we can also contact the dedicated advice service introduced by
Public Health England (and run by NHS Business Authority). This can be reached
by calling the DfE helpline on 0800 046 8687 (option 1).
We will carry out a rapid risk
assessment with their advisors who will advise us of what actions to take,
based on the local public health advice. This will enable us to confirm who has
been in close contact with the person in the period they were infectious and
ensure they are asked to self-isolate.
Following triage, the advisor
will escalate the case to the PHE local health protection team if needed.
The advice service (or PHE local
health team if escalated) will work alongside us to guide us through whatever
actions we need to take. We will send home close contacts of the child / staff
member who has tested positive, in line with their advice.
Ofsted
We will inform Ofsted of:
·
Any confirmed cases
of Covid-19 in the setting (regardless of whether it is staff or children)
·
Whether the setting
has to close due to public health advice
·
When the setting
re-opens after a Covid-19 linked closure.
This contact will be made via the
online form on: https://www.report-childcare-incident.service.gov.uk/serious-incident/childcare/update-incident/. Whether the setting needs to close will be included
in the report, alongside our reference number, the setting address, details of
the incident and those involved.
It is
a legal requirement that Ofsted are informed within 14 days of the confirmed
case.
When
someone self-isolating develops symptoms
If someone who is self-isolating
because they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive
for coronavirus (COVID-19):
·
starts to feel unwell
and gets a test for coronavirus themselves, and the test delivers a negative
result, they must remain in isolation for the remainder of the 10 days from the
day after the last contact with the individual who tested positive. This is
because they could still develop coronavirus (COVID-19) within the remaining
days
·
if the test result is
positive, they should inform Stepping Stones immediately, and isolate for at
least 10 days after their symptoms started (which could mean the self-isolation
ends after the original 10-day isolation period). Their household should
self-isolate for at least 10 days from the day after contact with the
individual who tested positive, following the guidance on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance
Admitting
children back to Stepping Stones after self-isolation
We will not request evidence of
negative test results or other medical evidence before admitting children or
welcoming them back after a period of self-isolation.
In the event that a parent or
carer insists on a child attending Stepping Stones, we reserve the right to refuse
entry to the child if, in our reasonable judgement, it is necessary to protect
the setting from possible infection with coronavirus (COVID-19). Any such
decision would be carefully considered in the light of all the circumstances
and current public health advice.
11.
Contain any outbreak by following local health protection team advice
We will contact our local health
protection team for advice if:
·
the number of cases
exceeds 2 within 14 days
·
we have taken the
action outlined but are still seeing more cases
·
we are thinking the
setting might need to close because of the number of people affected
·
a child or staff
member from Stepping Stones setting has been admitted to hospital
·
we are getting
significant interest from local media
Safeguarding
and Child Welfare
Children may be experiencing a
variety of emotions in response to coronavirus (COVID-19), such as anxiety,
stress or low mood. This may particularly be the case for vulnerable children,
including those with a social worker. It is important to contextualise these
feelings as normal responses to an abnormal situation. Some may need support, a
few may be showing signs of more severe anxiety or depression. Others will not
be experiencing any challenges. Attending Stepping Stones allows social
interaction with other children and staff, which benefits wellbeing.
We continue to take all necessary
steps to keep children safe and well during this period and have regard to the
statutory guidance on working together to safeguard children. The safeguarding
and welfare sections of the EYFS foundation framework still apply, including
requirements relating to child protection arrangements. We continue to work
closely with the local authority.
We aim to provide more focused
support where issues are identified that individual children may need help
with, drawing on external support where necessary and possible. We will also
consider support needs of particular groups we are already aware of for needing
additional help (for example, children in need), and any groups we identify as
newly vulnerable.
We can use the free resource MindEd
learning platform for professionals, which contains materials on peer support,
stress, fear and trauma, and bereavement.
Where there is a concern that a child
is in need or suffering or likely to suffer from harm, Stepping Stones
(generally led by the DSL or DDSL) will follow our Safeguarding and Child Protection
policy and part 1 of the statutory safeguarding guidance keeping children safe
in education and consider any referral to statutory services (and the police)
as appropriate.
At all times, either (or both) the
DSL and / or the DDSL are on site.
Stepping Stones’ Safeguarding
Children and Child Protection policy was last updated in September 2020 and was
adopted at Stepping Stones AGM in October 2020.It has been shared with staff.
Virtual School
provision
The role of the
Virtual School Head (VSH) is to oversee the provision of every looked after
child (LAC) in Staffordshire. This responsibility continues throughout the
pandemic. The VSH (as of 30th December 2020) is Sarah Rivers. She
can be contacted on:
Phone 1: 01785 854195
Phone 2: 07976 191025
Email:
Sarah.Rivers@staffordshire.gov.uk
Guidance for administering first aid
Whilst administering first aid, staff will try to assist at a safe
distance from the casualty as much as possible, and minimise the time that they
share a breathing zone.
If the casualty is capable, we will ask them to do things for us, but
treating the casualty properly would be our first concern. We will be mindful
of the 3P model – preserve life, prevent worsening, promote recovery.
Preserve life: CPR
- Call 999 immediately – tell
the call handler if the patient has any COVID-19 symptoms
- Ask for help. If a portable
defibrillator is available, ask for it. The closest defibrillator to
Stepping Stones is either outside the Co-op (Main Street) or outside the
Doctor’s Surgery (Exchange Rd).
- Before starting CPR, to
minimise transmission risk, we would use a cloth or towel to cover the
patient’s mouth and nose, while still permitting breathing to restart
following successful resuscitation
- We will use the following
disposable PPE:
o a fluid-repellent
surgical mask
o disposable gloves
- eye protection
- apron
- We will only deliver CPR by
chest compressions and use a defibrillator (if available) – we do
not do rescue breaths.
Prevent worsening, promote recovery: all other injuries or illnesses
- If we suspect a serious
illness or injury, we will call 999 immediately. We will tell the call
handler if the patient has any COVID-19 symptoms
- If giving first aid to
someone, we will use the recommended equipment listed above
- We minimise the time we
share a breathing zone with the casualty and direct them to do things for us
where possible
After delivering any first aid
- Disposable items used during
the administration of first aid will be discarded safely and re-usable
items will be cleaned thoroughly
- Items that could be
contaminated with Covid-19 will be disposed of in a secure way (see the
‘Waste disposal’ section of this policy.
- The staff member who
administered the first aid treatment will wash their hands thoroughly with
soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser as soon as possible
after administering treatment.
Attendance
of children and staff
Should
a child or member of staff, or a member of their household, be showing symptoms
of coronavirus / Covid-19, they will not be allowed into the setting.
They will be advised to go home and self-isolate for 10
days, and other members of the household will be advised to self-isolate for 10
days. They will be given information about how to get tested for coronavirus,
updated information can be found on https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested.
Ø Attendance
at Stepping Stones for children remains optional, although strongly encouraged.
This is so that children can enjoy the educational and wellbeing benefits of
attending.
Ø A
small number of children will be unable to attend as they are self-isolating
due to a positive Covid-19 test (themselves), because someone in the household
is symptomatic or because they are a close contact of someone who is
symptomatic.
Ø Where
shielding advice is in place, children deemed to be clinically extremely
vulnerable are advised not to attend Stepping Stones. We will do our best to
maintain contact with these children, and to support them remotely.
Ø Children
and young people whose parents or carers are clinically extremely vulnerable
can continue to go to settings, as can children who live with someone who is
clinically extremely vulnerable, but who are not clinically extremely
vulnerable themselves.
Ø In
line with our Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Policy, we ask parents
to inform us by 10am if their child is not going to be at Stepping Stones that
day, and to give us a reason why.
Parents or carers who are anxious about their
child attending Stepping Stones
We are mindful that many parents and carers may be reluctant
or concerned about sending their child to Stepping Stones and we endeavour to
put the right support in place to address this. This may include:
·
children who have themselves been shielding
previously but have been advised that this is no longer formally advised
·
those living in households where someone is
clinically vulnerable or are clinically extremely vulnerable
·
those concerned about the comparatively
increased risk from coronavirus (COVID-19), including those from Black, Asian
and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds or who have certain conditions such as
obesity or diabetes
If parents or carers of children with possible risk factors
are concerned, we will happily discuss their concerns and provide reassurance
of the measures that are in place to reduce the risk or virus transmission.
Clear communications with parents and carers regarding the
measures being taken to ensure the safety of their children will be necessary,
including the role that they play, as parents and carers, in the safe operating
procedures.
We will be mindful of how to ensure communications are
accessible to specific groups of parents and carers (such as those with English
as an additional language) and parents and carers of vulnerable children, to
encourage attendance of these groups.
Actions after Testing
Negative test after having symptoms
Ø If a
child / staff member becomes symptomatic, has a test and the test delivers a
negative result, providing they no longer have coronavirus symptoms, they can
stop self-isolating. The rest of their household can also stop self-isolating.
They could still have a cold or a virus which means they will be better off
recuperating at home away from other people should they still feel poorly.
However, if their coronavirus symptoms have gone, and the test was negative,
they will be welcomed back to Stepping Stones.
Ø If the
child or staff member is still symptomatic, despite the negative test, they
must continue to self-isolate for at least 10 days after the onset of their
symptoms. The ‘at least 10-day period’ starts from the day they first became
ill and includes the following 10 full days. This is because they could
still develop coronavirus (COVID-19) within the remaining days.
Positive test
Ø If the
test result is positive, parents / staff member MUST inform Stepping Stones
immediately, and the symptomatic person must isolate for at
least 10 days from the onset of their symptoms. Their whole household should
self-isolate for at least 10 days from when the symptomatic person first had
symptoms. The child or staff member can only return to the setting once their
temperature has returned to normal. They may return with a cough and anosmia as
this can last for a few weeks after the infection has gone.
Ø Stepping
Stones will then report the confirmed case to the relevant authorities (see ‘Section
10 and 11 of the Protective Measures) and send home close contacts as required.
We ask that parents and staff inform Stepping Stones
immediately of the test result, regardless of whether it is positive or
negative.
Vaccines
and teething
Vaccines may cause a mild fever
in children. This is a common and expected reaction, and isolation is not
required unless coronavirus (COVID-19) is suspected.
Whilst teething can cause some
known side effects such as flushed cheeks and sore gums, NHS guidelines state
that fever is not a symptom of teething.
Parents and carers should monitor
side effects from a vaccination or teething, and if they are concerned about
their child’s health, they should seek advice from their GP or NHS 111.
If coronavirus (COVID-19) is
suspected, settings should follow the advice in the system of controls.
Staff
needing to self-isolate after returning from abroad
The government has set a
requirement for people returning from some countries to self-isolate for 14
days on their return.
There is a risk that where staff
travel abroad, their return travel arrangements could be disrupted due to
factors arising beyond their control in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19),
such as the potential for restrictions on travel in the place they are
visiting.
Where it is not possible to avoid
a member of staff having to self-isolate when they are due to return from
leave, Stepping Stones has the right to consider if it is possible to
temporarily amend working arrangements to enable them to work from home.
Paying
Statutory Sick Pay
Stepping Stones will pay SSP if an employee is self-isolating
and off work for at least 4 days if any of the following apply:
·
They or someone they live with has coronavirus
symptoms
·
They have been notified by the NHS or public
health authorities that they’ve been in contact with someone with coronavirus
·
Someone in their support bubble has symptoms.
·
They have been advised by letter to shield
because they’re clinically extremely vulnerable and at very high risk of severe
illness from coronavirus
·
They have been notified by the NHS to self-isolate
before surgery for up to 14 days
We will also pay SSP if an employee has a letter from the
NHS or GP telling them to take extra precautions because they are at high risk
of severe illness from coronavirus. This letter will say how long the employee
should be off work.
The employee will be paid from the first ‘qualifying day’
(the first day an employee normally works on) they are off work on or after:
·
13th March 2020 – if they or someone
they live with has symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.
·
16th April 2020 – if the employee is
shielding
·
28th May 2020 – the employee has
been notified by the NHS or public health authorities that they have come into
contact with someone with coronavirus
·
6th July 2020 – if someone in their support
bubble has symptoms
·
26 August 2020 – if your employee has been
notified by the NHS to self-isolate before surgery)
Test and Trace Support Payments
Employees who are told to self-isolate by a test and trace
service could be entitled to a £500 support payment from their local authority.
The Department for Health and Social Care has launched the
Self-Isolation Service Hub telephone number: 020 3743 6715. The phone line is
open seven days a week, 8am to 8pm, allowing a setting to provide contact
details of those individuals who have been asked to self-isolate and are likely
to be eligible for the Test and Trace Support Payment or discretionary payment.
By providing these details, close contacts of positive
cases identified at the setting will be formally advised to self-isolate by NHS
Test and Trace and provided with an NHS Test and Trace Account ID. Individuals
who have not been formally advised to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace will
not receive an NHS Test and Trace Account ID and will not be able to claim from
the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme.
In order for any staff who may be eligible for a payment
from the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme to be able to claim, we could
follow these steps:
1. Ensure that we collate a list of appropriate close
contacts for the person who has tested positive within the setting and inform
these close contacts that they now need to self-isolate.
2. Call the new Service Hub on 020 3743 6715 as soon as you
have the eight-digit NHS Test and Trace Account ID (sometimes referred to as a
CTAS number) of the person who has tested positive.
3. Provide the details of the person who has tested
positive, along with the details of
the relevant close contacts who have been identified. If we
do not have NHS Test and Trace Account ID for the person who has tested
positive, Hub staff will assist in tracing the person in order to register
their contacts on the Test and Trace system(CTAS).
4. NHS Test and Trace will then contact individuals to
formally advise them of their need to self-isolate and provide them with an NHS
Test and Trace Account ID.
5 Following this, individuals who are employed on a low
income, unable to work from home and losing income as a result may qualify for
the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme through their local authority. Full
information on the scheme and how to apply can be found on: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/test-and-trace-support-payment-scheme-claiming-financial-support/claiming-financial-support-under-the-test-and-trace-support-payment-scheme
Reclaiming SSP
Stepping Stones can reclaim up to 2 weeks SSP if all of the
following conditions are met:
·
The employee was off work because they had coronavirus,
were self-isolating or shielding
·
The PAYE payroll scheme started on or before 28th
Feb 2020
·
Stepping Stones has less than 250 employees on
its books as of 28th Feb 2020.
We cannot reclaim SSP if an employee is off sick for any
other reason. SSP can be reclaimed through the Government Gateway website, by
looking on this link:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-back-statutory-sick-pay-paid-to-your-employees-due-to-coronavirus-covid-19
Staff
not wanting to return to work during the coronavirus outbreak
Staff who feel that they do not wish to return to the
workplace during the coronavirus outbreak need to tell the Manager as soon as
possible. The Manager will listen to the employee’s concerns and take steps to
ensure the safety of the employee.
If the staff member still does not want to return to work,
they will be able to discuss their options with the Chair depending on their
specific circumstances.
Further guidance for this situation is found in the absence
policy and the ‘returning to work following a period of absence procedure’.
The Manager or the Chair will conduct a weekly audit of
staff at the setting, to ensure she is aware of staff availability for work.
Staff who have previously informed the Manager or Chair that they will be
absent from work for an agreed period of time will be contacted towards the end
of the agreed period for an update on their availability to work at the end of
the agreed period.
Staffing Shortages
If Stepping Stones experiences staff shortages, we will
work with the local authority (Staffordshire County Council) to identify how
appropriate provision can be put in place while keeping staffing arrangements
as consistent as possible. This provision could include pooling staff with
another setting, taking on qualified and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
checked staff from other educational settings (including local registered
childminders) which have been closed, and inviting local registered childminders
to work at the setting. Wherever possible, we ensure staffing arrangements are
consistent on a weekly basis, rather than a daily basis, in order to limit
contacts.
Our Management Committee all have enhanced child barred
list DBS certificates which are registered with the Update service and checked
termly to ensure continued suitability. If needed, we could call on one of our
Committee members to help on a voluntary basis
Our Emergency Plan lists relief staff and volunteers we can
call upon if we are short staffed. Their DBS and child barred list checks are currently
pending, and their certificates will be monitored termly to ensure continued
suitability.
NB – once DBS checks have been submitted, volunteers and
staff may work within the setting UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF SOMEONE WITH A DBS
CHECK until the DBS disclosure arrives.
Visitors
to Stepping Stones
Only totally necessary external visitors will be allowed
into Stepping Stones. All other visits will be postponed and a plan agreed to re-arrange
it for when it is safe to do so. Deliveries of supplies, such as milk, will be
made outside of session hours.
Should professionals from another setting need to attend (e.g.:
Speech and Language Therapists, social worker or counsellor) we will assess whether
the meeting / visit can be carried out virtually. If needed, visits that allow
a vulnerable child to meet a social worker, key worker or other necessary
support should continue on site and visits for SEND therapies can also continue
on site.
If the external professional needs to attend in
person, they must:
·
follow our infection control
procedures
·
keep the number of attendances to a minimum
·
wash hands frequently
·
where possible to do so, maintain social distancing
Should any site visits be needed outside of setting opening
hours (i.e.: for maintenance) a record will be kept by the Village Hall
committee of who visited, when and why.
Parents are not allowed into Stepping Stones unless there
is a specific need / emergency. If it is unavoidable for a parent to enter the
setting (ie: to collect a poorly child), they will need to wear a face mask
whilst in the setting, avoid close contact with any other children, social
distance from all members of staff and stay in the setting for the minimum
possible time.
Visits from prospective parents will not be possible at the
present time. They will be signposted to our Facebook page, webpage and receive
an electronic copy of our prospectus. Existing parents will be able to see what
their child has been doing through Tapestry.
Stepping Stones trips and visits off site
Stepping Stones will only take small groups of children off
site in exceptional circumstances, for example for wreath laying on Remembrance
Day. These trips will be limited to outdoor public places and on the proviso that:
·
it is for the purpose of education or childcare
·
we remain within the EYFS staff child ratios
·
we conduct a risk assessment in advance
·
the risk assessment demonstrates that we can remain socially distant (2
metres) from other people and groups, wherever possible
·
good hygiene is maintained throughout
·
thorough handwashing happens before and after the trip
- the trip is carried out in
line with relevant local restriction tier guidance and coronavirus
(COVID-19) secure measures on transport and at the destination
- appropriate insurance
arrangements are in place
During periods of National Lockdown, we will not be undertaking
trips out of the setting.
Recruitment
Recruitment will continue as usual if required. The current
guidance advises limiting the number of visitors to the setting, so a flexible
approach to interviews can be adopted. Alternative options to face-to-face
interviews can be offered where possible, such as using video conferencing.
Where face-to-face meetings are arranged, it will be made
clear to candidates that they must adhere to the system of controls that is in
place. Where possible, these meetings will take place outside of the setting,
for example in the Tarmac Annexe. Stepping Stones reserves the right to require
candidates to wear face coverings where social distancing cannot be safely
managed.
We continue to adhere to the legal requirements regarding
pre-appointment checks.
Supply staff and students
Where it is necessary to use supply staff in the setting,
or welcome visitors such as students, those individuals will be expected to
comply with our arrangements for managing and minimising risk, including taking
particular care to maintain distance from other staff.
The presence of any additional members of staff should be
agreed on a weekly rather than a daily basis, where possible, in order to limit
contacts.
Emergency
drills during the outbreak
Fire drills
Ø fire
alarm systems and call points will be regularly checked to ensure they are
working
Ø the
setting will be subject to regular hazard spotting
Ø fire
doors will be checked regularly to ensure they are functional
Ø fire
drills will be held and recorded as normal. This is the responsibility of the
Health and Safety officer.
Ø The
fire evacuation procedure remains the same as the evacuation point is outside.
Staff will be expected to position themselves in such a way that social distancing
is maintained.
Lockdown drills
The lockdown drills will
remain the same, with the added security measure of the gates at the front of
the Village Hall being locked after drop off until pick up time. The space
behind the stage would still be used as a safe place, and adults would be spread
along the line of children, thus ensuring as much social distancing between
adults as possible. Should the situation arise where we needed to use this
drill for real, the safety of children and staff would far outweigh the risk of
potentially catching the virus. We will continue to practise this drill during
sessions, the arrangement and recording of them is the responsibility of the
Health and Safety officer.
Intimate
care procedures
PPE is required as normal for nappy changing and intimate
care procedures (disposable apron and gloves).
Uniform and clothing
Staff and children’s uniform can be washed according to manufacturer’s
guidance. Staff and children need to arrive at work / nursery each morning in
clean clothes. Dirty laundry that has been in contact with an unwell person can
be washed with other people’s things. Anything that is used to transport dirty
laundry needs cleaning and disinfecting.
Staff use of the toilet / kitchen area
Use of the kitchen / toilet areas is staggered to ensure
social distancing for staff.
Staff are asked to bring in their own lidded cups and own
cutlery to eat lunch with (if required) to reduce the possibility of virus
transmission.
Maintaining
the safety of clinically vulnerable staff
Stepping Stones will carry out individual risk assessments
based on the needs of its staff. An individual may choose to take on a role
that does not allow for a 2m social distance to be maintained. That is their
choice. If they spend time within 2m of others, the Manager will assess whether
this decision involves an acceptable level of risk for that individual.
Whilst at work, staff members should follow the guidance
set out in this policy to minimise the risk of transmission. This includes
taking particular care to observe good hand and respiratory hygiene, minimising
contact and maintaining social distance from other staff in settings. This
provides that ideally, adults should maintain a 2 metre distance from others.
Where this is not possible avoid close face to face contact and minimise time
spent within 1 metre of others. While the risk of transmission between young
children and adults is likely to be low, adults should continue to take care to
socially distance from other adults.
People who live with those who are clinically extremely
vulnerable or clinically vulnerable can attend the workplace.
A list of conditions which make staff vulnerable can be
found on this link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/people-at-higher-risk-from-coronavirus/whos-at-higher-risk-from-coronavirus/.
Managing the safety of extremely clinically
vulnerable staff
It is acceptable for clinically extremely vulnerable
people to attend work at Stepping Stones if Lichfield District is in Tier 1, 2
or 3. There are controls in place to minimise the risk of transmission as much
as possible. However, if staff live or work in an area where formal shielding
advice has been put in place, and they have received a new shielding
notification informing them of this, we do not expect them to come to work.
As of 5/1/2021 the whole of England is in a National
Lockdown. This means that clinically extremely vulnerable staff should not
attend work. These staff should also not attend work should Lichfield District
be in Tier 4.
Advice given to shield will be based on advice from
the Chief Medical Officer. The government will inform clinically extremely
vulnerable people if they are advised to shield. Staff are not advised to
follow formal shielding advice again unless they receive a new shielding
notification advising them to do so.
Staff who are pregnant
Pregnant women are considered ‘clinically vulnerable’
or in some cases ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ to coronavirus (COVID-19)
and therefore require special consideration. More information can be found on https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-pregnant-employees/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-pregnant-employees
In these situations, we would carry out a risk
assessment to follow the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
1999 (MHSW). More information is available on https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/working-safely/protect-people.htm.
Information contained in the Royal College of
Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Royal College of Midwives guidance on
coronavirus (COVID-19) in pregnancy should be used as the basis for a risk assessment. It can be found on this link: https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy
Pregnant women of any gestation should not be
required to continue working if this is not supported by the risk assessment.
As part of this risk assessment, we would consider whether
adapting duties and/or facilitating home working may be appropriate to mitigate
risks.
Women who are 28 weeks pregnant and beyond or are
pregnant and have an underlying health condition that puts them at a greater
risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) at any gestation, should
take a more precautionary approach. We would ensure that pregnant women are
able to adhere to any active national guidance on social distancing or advice
for pregnant women considered to be clinically extremely vulnerable (this group
may previously have been advised to shield).
Staff
who may otherwise be at increased risk from coronavirus (COVID-19)
Some people with particular characteristics
may be at comparatively increased risk from coronavirus (COVID-19), as set out
in the review of disparities in risks and outcomes report. It can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-review-of-disparities-in-risks-and-outcomes.
This looked at different factors including age and sex, where people live,
deprivation, ethnicity, people’s occupation and care home residence. The
reasons are complex and there is ongoing research to understand and translate
these findings for individuals in the future. If people with possible risk
factors are concerned, we encourage them to discuss their concerns with the
Manager so that am explanation can be given about the measures the setting is
putting in place to reduce risks. Stepping Stones will, as far as possible, try
to accommodate additional measures and follow advice relevant to local
restriction tiers.
People who live with those who
have comparatively increased risk from coronavirus (COVID-19) can attend work.
Children
attending more than one setting
We strongly encourage parents and carers to limit the
number of settings their child attends, ideally ensuring their child only
attends one setting consistently. This is also the same for staff. This is
based on government advice as of 4.2.21.
Maintaining
the safety of children in the setting
It is NOT recommended for parents to report their child’s
temperature in the morning when they are dropping their child at the setting.
It is also not recommended for Stepping Stones to routinely measure the
temperature of the children. Public
Health England are clear that this is an unreliable method for identifying Covid-19.
Stepping Stones understands that young children cannot be
expected to remain 2m away from other children and staff. We put measures into
place to minimise how many other children and staff children have contact with.
Ø Activities
and toys are arranged a safe distance apart.
Ø Toys
and areas are cleaned thoroughly in between use.
Ø There
will be thorough cleaning of all rooms at the end of the day in preparation for
the following day.
Ø Handwashing
and good respiratory practices will be modelled and adhered too (see
‘Handwashing and respiratory practices’ section in policy).
Ø Parents
can bring in soft toy comforters for their child if required. These are to stay
in pushchairs, and used when the child is in the pushchair sleeping. Children
are not to have them whilst accessing activities due to the risk of virus
transmission.
Ø It is
acceptable for dummies to be brought in for the youngest children; these will
be washed and disinfected before and after use.
Ø Outside
space will be used wherever possible as science shows that transmission rates
outdoors are significantly lower than indoors. Outdoor space is used for breaks
as well as outdoor learning when the weather allows.
Ø Outdoor
toys, such as scooters and bikes, are used and appropriately cleaned between uses
(see cleaning section of the policy).
Ø The
number of children in the toilets at once will be monitored to ensure there is
a maximum of one child per cubicle. The maximum number of people in the toilet
room at once will therefore be 3 children and 1 member of staff. A member of
staff helps with handwashing afterwards if needed.
Ø The
toilets are cleaned thoroughly twice a day – once in the morning by the
setting’s cleaner and once at the end of the day by staff. They are sprayed
down regularly with disinfectant throughout the day, focussing on ‘touch
points’.
Ø We discourage
children from using the potty at Stepping Stones. The toilet seats are family
toilet seats designed for young children, however, should a child be too small
to use the toilet they will be able to use the potty. It will be thoroughly
cleaned and disinfected immediately after use.
Ø Planned activities that are offered to the children during the day
will be specifically risk assessed in light of the Covid-19 threat. See the ‘activity
risk assessment’ document. These risk assessments will be constantly monitored
to ensure the controls remain effective and are appropriately updated in line
with public health advice.
Ø Stepping
Stones are aware that in a tiny number of cases, Covid-19 can cause
complications in children. This can result in a condition called PMIS
(Paediatric Multi System Inflammatory Syndrome). Signs and symptoms of this are
stuck on the inside of the cupboard door for staff reference.
Ø We
continue to use a range of strategies to keep children safe online whilst they
are at the setting. These measures include checking apps, websites and search
results before using them with children and supervising children when they are
accessing the internet.
Ø Children
must bring their own hats, jumpers etc to the setting to avoid borrowing
setting supplies and risking cross contamination.
Ø Pushchairs
will be used by the child owner only. Their handles will be disinfected before
being stored for the duration of the child’s session.
Ø When
it is hot, staff will continue to apply sun cream after lunch in line with our
Sun Safety policy. When applying sun cream, staff will sanitise their hands
after each child. They will wash their hands after they have finished applying
sun cream. To minimise close contact between staff and children, the member of
staff who changes nappies will also apply sun cream on that day and records
will be kept of who has applied cream.
Malleable resources
Ø Malleable
materials such as sand, water, mud and playdough can be used for messy play.
Ø These
resources will be fully risk assessed prior to using them. The risk assessment
will ensure that these resources will:
·
be handled by no more than 15 people at a time
·
be replaced after use if they cannot be cleaned
according to manufacturers instructions
·
surfaces, tools and implements used will be
cleaned and dried carefully after use
·
hands are washed before and after using the
resources
Special
Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Ø Consideration
and planning will be given to re-adjusting children with SEND back into the
setting. We are aware that for these children, settling back into routines may
be particularly challenging.
Ø We are
vigilant to the fact that there may be children with additional or worsened
social emotional and mental health needs as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19),
and that there may also be children who have fallen further behind their peers
as a result of time out of Stepping Stones, or missed diagnosis as a result of
the period of absence.
Ø We
will ensure that we have the staffing levels to support children with SEND at
safe ratios and our SENCO continues in her role.
Ø We
will continue to cooperate with the local authority in the performance of its
SEND duties during this period.
Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing
Ø Staying
at home for a prolonged period and the change of routine may cause difficulties
for some children, such as changes in behaviour or mood.
We will ensure that, through our planning,
we consider:
•
the mental health, pastoral or wider wellbeing support children may
need, including with bereavement
• how to support them to transition into
the setting after a long period of absence
• in some cases, increased welfare and
safeguarding risks
Ø This
may lead to an increase in social, emotional and mental health concerns,
particularly for vulnerable groups such as:
• children with a social worker
• previously looked-after children who
left care through adoption or special
guardianship
Ø Should
a child or family be identified as vulnerable or in need of support for mental
health and wellbeing issues, we will contact the local authority to find out
what support is available to them.
Ø We
will monitor how vulnerable children continue to have their needs met and be
supported and will actively look out for signs of harms as appropriate.
Staff mental health and wellbeing
There is support and information on: https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/. There is also a
staff hub on the following link: https://covid.minded.org.uk/
Singing and musical activities
We will continue to
plan and carry out singing and musical activities as these activities build confidence, help children live
happier, more enriched lives, and discover ways to express
themselves. However, we will put the following measures in place to reduce
the risk of transmission:
·
playing instruments and singing in groups will take place outdoors
wherever possible
·
if indoors, use a room with as much space as possible, for example larger
rooms. Rooms with high ceilings are expected to enable dilution of aerosol
transmission
·
if singing indoors, social distance each child 2 metres apart
·
limit the numbers of children taking part to account for ventilation of
the space. It is important to ensure good ventilation
We will implement the following
measures to reduce the risk whilst using musical equipment:
·
increased handwashing before and after handling equipment
·
avoiding sharing instruments - each child to have their own
·
instruments will be placed in a collection point after use and disinfected
Drop
off / pick up time
Stepping Stones is aware of potential ‘pinch points’ during
the day and knows that drop off and pick up times are likely to be the main
times at which possible adult to adult transmission could occur.
Ø Only
one parent / carer is able to accompany the child to the setting and pick them
up at the end of the day
Ø Parents
and carers are informed of pick up and drop off times and the new protocols to
minimise the risk of adult to adult transmission.
Ø Parents
/ carers are told not to gather at entrances or doors
Ø Parents
/ carers will not be able to accompany their child into the building. They will
hand their child and their belongings over to a member of staff by the white door
on the ramp.
Ø Parents
/ carers are told to maintain social distancing from other adults whilst
dropping off or collecting their child. There are markers placed 2m apart on
the yard to help them with this. Reminders about drop off and pick up
procedures are sent out via email and Facebook.
Ø Parents
/ carers are encouraged to walk or cycle with their child to the setting. Where
this is not possible and public transport is used, government guidance on
staying safe on public transport is shared with parents / carers.
Ø Children
will be signed in and out by staff once they have entered the setting / been
picked up by their parent / carer.
Ø Parents
/ carers are asked not to let their child bring in toys / resources from home (unless
it is a comforter) – they can put pictures of things they would like their
child’s Key Worker to see on Tapestry.
Parents
and children travelling to the setting
Stepping Stones advises parents and children to travel to
the setting by bike or on foot. Where private cars are used, we advise that families
do not car share.
We are aware that some parents may need to use public
transport (bus) to come to the setting as they live in neighbouring villages.
Should this be the case, parents will be referred to the
following guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers.
Cleaning
The infection risk from coronavirus (COVID-19) following contamination
of the environment decreases over time. It is not yet clear at what point there
is no risk. However, studies of other viruses in the same family suggest that,
in most circumstances, the risk is likely to be reduced significantly after 72
hours.
Evidence shows that cleaning with normal household
detergents and bleach are effective in getting rid of the virus.
At Stepping Stones, we have a cleaning schedule which
ensures that cleaning is generally enhanced through the day. It includes:
Ø Frequently
touched surfaces being cleaned more often than normal (a minimum of twice a day
– one of which is at the start of the day)
Ø Clear
processes for maintaining cleanliness of food preparation areas and tables
We clean hard surfaces such as tables and chairs with
either a steamer, soap and water, or a disinfectant spray scientifically tested
to remove human coronavirus / enveloped viruses. We leave it on the surface for
at least 5 minutes before wiping it off with a disposable cloth / paper towel.
We pay particular attention to frequently touched areas, such as table tops,
door handles and doors. We clean these at least twice a day.
We wash our hands for 20 seconds with soap and running
water regularly and dry our hands thoroughly. We also wash our hands: after
removing gloves, aprons and other PPE; and after cleaning.
We use disposable cloths and paper roll to clean all hard
surfaces, such as floors, chairs, door handles, doors, tables and sanitary
fittings.
If a risk assessment of the setting (or an area within the
setting) indicates that an increased level of the virus may be present (for
example where a symptomatic individual has been), then additional PPE will be
needed by the cleaner to protect their eyes, mouth and nose.
Should an area be contaminated with potential or confirmed coronavirus,
we use either:
Ø Combined
detergent disinfectant solution at a dilution of 1000 parts per million
chlorine; OR
Ø Household
detergent followed by disinfectant (1000 av cl); OR
Ø Another
disinfectant which has been proven to ensure its effectiveness against
enveloped viruses
We avoid making splashes and spray as we clean as this can
aid the transmission of the virus.
If something cannot be disinfected, it will be steamed.
Heavily contaminated objects that can’t be cleaned will be
disposed of.
Where we use the dishwasher for cleaning purposes, we
ensure that it does at least one full cycle per week to remove scale and
prevent bacteria growth.
Waste disposal
From potential / confirmed Covid-19 cases
This includes personal waste, tissues, PPE and disposable
cloths.
Ø Put
the waste in a plastic bag and tie the bag up
Ø Put
the bag inside another plastic bag and tie the outer bag
Ø Place
bag in a secure place for 72 hours and mark it for storage. Should the person’s
test come back as negative, it can be disposed of immediately in the ‘black
bag’ bin out the front.
If, in an emergency, we need to remove the waste bag marked
as ‘for storage’ before the 72 hours is up, we will:
Ø Keep
it separate from other waste
Ø Arrange
collection by a specialist contractor as hazardous waste
Routine waste
Any routine waste can be
disposed of as normal – by placing any used wipes and tissues in ‘black bag’
waste bins. There is no need to double bag routine waste or store it for a
period of time before throwing it away.
Temporary
changes to the Early Years Foundation Stage
EYFS disapplications came into force on 24.4.2020. These
changes end on 25.9.20. Once the
temporary changes are lifted, there will be a transitional period of two months
(up until 25.11.20) during which the disapplication around staffing qualifications
in ratios will continue.
As of 25.9.20 we will be delivering a broad and balanced EYFS
curriculum, unless under government restrictions.
We are not required to carry out the 2 year old Progress
Check during the pandemic.
Planning for, and supporting, learning
Stepping Stones
will prioritise helping young children to adapt to their new routines and
supporting children to settle back into the setting, especially where there
have been long periods of absence. Continuing to support early language and
communication skills is essential. Through our planning, we will encourage
children who have had limited exercise throughout lockdown to exert themselves
physically. In addition to this, we will:
·
consider how stories, singing and games can be used to help children to
socialise and resettle into familiar everyday routines
·
plan how children can learn in age-appropriate ways about how they can
keep themselves safe, including regular handwashing and using tissues
·
consider how to encourage children to learn and practise these habits
through games, songs and repetition
Unless Stepping
Stones needs to invoke the EYFS Disapplications, the full learning requirements
of the EYFS must legally be met.
Tiers of Intervention
As of 26.9.20, new regulations apply should Covid related
restrictions / requirements be imposed on our local area, either through the
Public Health (control of disease) Act 1984 or the Coronavirus Act 2020.
These new regulations cannot be used due to an incidence of
Covid-19. They can only be applied should there be government imposed
restrictions in place which mean that Stepping Stones is unable to deliver the
EYFS as required.
From 26.9.20 until 31.8.21, should the government confirm that a geographical
area is subject to Covid related restrictions, disapplications would
automatically apply. They would remain
in place for a 2 week period after restrictions are lifted.
Decisions on any restrictions necessary in education or
childcare settings are taken separately on a case-by-case basis, in the light of
local circumstances, including information about the incidence and transmission
of coronavirus (COVID-19).
EYFS Disapplications due to local or national
restrictions
·
EYFS Disapplications cover the period from 30
September 2020 until 31 August 2021. There is a 2 week transition period once
the relevant restrictions have been lifted.
·
During this period, disapplications will apply
providing that there are government restrictions and requirements in place AND
Stepping Stones must deem these restrictions to mean that we are unable to
deliver the EYFS as required.
·
Should a number of staff be required to
self-isolate (under the Public Health (Control of Disease) act 1984), and if
this is significant enough to impact on the ability of Stepping Stones to
deliver the EYFS, the disapplications can also be used.
·
Stepping Stones will make reasonable endeavours
to meet the learning and development requirements of the EYFS. We will plan as
broad a range of learning opportunities as we can, whilst considering
practicalities around cleaning and sharing of resources. However, there may be
times when it will not be possible to provide activities to all children across
all 7 areas of learning. In these situations, we will prioritise PSED, C&L
and Physical Development.
·
There is no expectation on Stepping Stones to
complete the 2 year old progress check. Stepping Stones will remain alert to
any emerging concerns over the development of children in its care. However, we
would carry out the check as soon as possible once the child joins / returns to
the setting. We would consider doing this even if the child has turned 3, if we
and their parents believe it is the right thing to do.
·
Adult: child ratios remain the same
Tiers of national restriction for childcare
There may be
exceptional circumstances in which some level of restriction to education or
childcare is required in a local area. In those situations, restrictions will
be implemented in a phased manner – the key aim being to retain as much
face-to-face education and access to childcare as possible. These ‘tiers of
restriction’ will ensure that extensive limitations on education and childcare
are a last resort, and that priority is given to vulnerable children and
children of critical workers for face-to-face provision in all cases.
Where there are no
local restrictions in place, education provision should continue to remain
fully open to all, and these tiers do not apply.
Decisions will need
to be made on a case-by-case basis in the light of local circumstances,
including information about the incidence and transmission of coronavirus.
Tier 1, 2 & 3 –
Stepping Stones remains open and continue to allow all children to attend, on
site, with no other restrictions in place.
Tier 4 – Stepping
Stones allows the full-time attendance on
site only to priority groups: vulnerable children and the children of critical
workers.
Temporary
changes to the Attendance Policy
This
would be implemented only should we be unable to fully staff Stepping Stones,
or be at Tier 4 of the tiers of national restriction for childcare
If
necessary, children will be offered places at Stepping Stones in this order of
priority:
1.
Vulnerable children and the children of
critical workers:
Ø those
who have been assessed as being in need under section 17 of the Children Act
1989, including children who have a child in need plan, a child protection plan
or who are a looked-after child
Ø those
who have an education, health and care (EHC) plan and it is determined,
following risk assessment, that their needs can be as safely or more safely met
in the setting
Ø
those who have been assessed as otherwise
vulnerable by educational providers or local authorities (including children’s
social care services), and who are therefore in need of continued education
provision - this might include children on the edge of receiving support from
children’s social care services and adopted children and others at the provider
and local authority’s discretion
Ø children
whose parents are identified critical workers on this list: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
2.
3 and 4 year olds who will be transitioning to
reception in September 2021 (Stepping Up group)
3.
Younger age groups.
Monitoring attendance
We continue to work with Staffordshire County Council to
provide them with details of the numbers of children attending our setting. We
do this by completing and submitting a bi-weekly online questionnaire.
Staff
training
The Manager will regularly monitor the training available
to staff and enable staff to complete Covid-19 training that is relevant to
their role.
Staff will receive training on how to put on and use a face
mask correctly, in case there is a symptomatic individual at nursery who needs
care.
Four members of staff have successfully completed training
entitled ‘Infection Prevention and Control in an Early Years Setting’ (through
Educare and Early Years Alliance) and ‘Prevent Covid-19’ (through the Virtual
College).
Further staff training will be done virtually where
possible. Any training that needs a face to face element included for legal
reasons will be completed through a Covid secure provider.
Communication
with parents and carers
Parents / carers have been informed about this policy, risk
assessments and procedures. They will be informed of subsequent reviews to the
policies and procedures on a regular basis. Any reviewed policies and
procedures will be uploaded onto our Facebook page and website in the place of
the outdated policies.
Talking to children about coronavirus
Resources which could help parents / carers talk to their
child about coronavirus and the changes it has brought about are shared by the
setting. One such resource is a CBeebies programme on this link:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p08bmd70/get-well-soon-coronavirus. There are also ideas on https://www.gov.uk/guidance/help-children-aged-2-to-4-to-learn-at-home-during-coronavirus-covid-19 and https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-online-education-resources
Actions to be taken if a child’s normal setting
needs to close
A child moving to
Stepping Stones because their setting has closed
If a child moves to
Stepping Stones because their normal setting has closed, important information
should be provided by the parent or carer to Stepping Stones on day one. This
includes emergency contact details, dietary requirements and medical needs to
safeguard the health, safety and welfare of the child.
If Stepping Stones
needs to close
In the case of vulnerable children, Stepping Stones would
notify the local authority (and social worker, where relevant) that these
vulnerable children need alternative provision. We would work with the families
of vulnerable children and local authorities (and social workers, where
relevant) to support this.
We would do
whatever we reasonably can to provide the receiving setting with any relevant
welfare and child protection information
We would make the
receiving setting aware of the reason the child is vulnerable and any
arrangements in place to support them. As a minimum, the receiving setting
should, as appropriate, have access to a vulnerable child’s EHC plan, child in
need plan, child protection plan or, for looked-after children, their personal
education plan, and know who the child’s social worker is (and, for
looked-after children, know who the responsible virtual school head is)
·
The transfer of necessary information should ideally happen before a
child arrives at the new setting and, where that is not possible, as soon as
reasonably practicable. Any exchanges of information will ideally happen
between the designated safeguarding leads (or deputies), and between special
educational needs co-ordinators (SENCOs) or named individual with oversight of
special educational needs provision for children with EHC plans
·
While Stepping Stones must continue to have
appropriate regard to data protection and the General Data Protection
Regulation (GDPR), this does not prevent the sharing of information for the
purposes of keeping children safe.
Family
holidays abroad
We fully understand and respect
that parents may wish to take foreign holidays when legal allowed to. To ensure
that all government legislation regarding quarantine are adhered to, we will
request the following information from families who are travelling abroad:
·
dates of travel out
and back
·
location of the
holiday
We will then monitor the
government guidance regarding travel corridors and quarantine procedures to
ensure that these requirements are fully complied with before the child returns
to Stepping Stones. Should quarantine be necessary, Stepping Stones requires
that people who undertake quarantine do so on
the day they arrive back in the UK plus 10 full days AFTER the date they arrive
back in the UK.
A private test can be taken on
the 5th full day of self-isolation to see if they can stop self-isolating
early. More information can be found on: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-test-to-release-for-international-travel
Fees
during the outbreak
Fees for sessions are payable as they have been previously.
The main exceptions are when there is a barrier to accessing childcare, based
on government guidance or the law, parents or carers will not be charged for
this period:
1. in the
case of a child’s positive coronavirus test and subsequent self-isolation,
refunds (or swapped sessions) will be issued for the child’s missed Stepping
Stones sessions. Evidence of a positive Covid-19 test result would be required
in order for this to be considered.
2. people
in England are required by law to self-isolate if they are contacted by NHS
Test and Trace. Accordingly, if a child is self-isolating having been contacted
by NHS Test and Trace, Stepping Stones will not charge the parent or carer for
this period. Evidence of the contact with Test and Trace will be required. Again,
either a refund or swapped sessions will be offered.
3. should
Stepping Stones have to shut as a setting, due to government guidance or the
law, parents or carers will not be charged for sessions during this closure
period.
Any refund would be made at the agreement of the Management
Committee.
We can continue to charge for consumables in line with the
early education and childcare statutory guidance for local authorities.
This policy was adopted at a meeting of
_________________________________
Held on (date) ________________________________
Signed on behalf of the Management Committee __________________________
Role of signatory (e.g. Chairperson etc)
________________________________
Appendices to this policy
·
Covid procedures
·
Covid symptom information
·
Paediatric Multi System Inflammatory Syndrome
symptom information
·
Local outbreak Control school and EY setting
Overview
·
Passenger guidance infographic document
·
PHE 11606 Putting on PPE 062
·
Quick guide to donning and doffing standard PPE
·
Reporting confirmed cases of Covid
·
Resources risk assessment
·
Groups Management risk assessment
·
What to do if a child is displaying symptoms of
coronavirus (COVID-19)
