Covid-19 - updated Monday 20th July 2020
We were very pleased to be able to open for any children that wished to attend for Term 6. There were obviously some changes that we had to implement to reduce risk of infection and transmission but we worked very hard to risk assess and create a workable system to be able to re-open. Term 6 was a huge success and children and staff were happy to return to Tytherington Preschool. We were also pleased to be able to continue to support our children who chose to remain at home.
Many thanks to all of those that have supported us during these difficult times.
Over the summer we will continue to monitor government guidance and implement these within our setting. We plan to continue to open the preschool for the 2020-2021 academic year as expected.
IMPORTANTLY: We ask that any child (or child with a person in their household) displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) stay away from preschool and remain at home for a minimum of 7 days (or 14 days if a member of the household). This is to protect the health and well-being of our staff, the children attending our preschool, and our wider preschool community. Please see additional information below regarding symptoms, self-isolation, hand washing and respiratory hygiene.
Here's a brief outline of some of the extra measures that we have introduced at preschool:
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We ask parents and carers to observe social distancing at pick up and drop off times
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Children will be expected to use the handwashing station upon entry to the preschool, and before collection
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Children will be supervised in washing hands regularly throughout the day, in addition to the usual times (at before snacks / meal times and after visiting the toilet)
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We will no longer be offering a shared snack, or provision of a preschool lunch. We ask that children bring a healthy packed lunch and drink to preschool in a clearly labelled container
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We will have a more limited number of toys (excluding soft toys and toys that are difficult to clean) out for each session, and these will be cleaned and disinfected regularly
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Ensuring effective ventilation is important in the preschool rooms through opening windows and doors wherever safe to do so. We will maximise use of our outdoor space. Please dress your child appropriately for the weather
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A new, comprehensive cleaning schedule is in place for surfaces inside the preschool including door handles, tables, chairs, floors, toilet areas etc.
Our full 'COVID-19 re-opening risk assessment' is available on request.
Whilst we are not in a position to advise individuals on the best course of action, we would like to draw your attention to the following extracts from government guidance:
Re.: symptoms
The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of any ONE or more of the following:
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new continuous cough
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high temperature
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a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness.
Re.: self-isolation
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if you live with others and you or one of them have (one or both) symptoms of coronavirus, then all household members must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill
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if you have coronavirus symptoms:
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do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital
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you do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home
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arrange for a test to see if you have COVID-19 (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/)
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wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water, or use hand sanitiser
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if you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, or your condition gets worse, or your symptoms do not get better after 7 days, then use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service. If you do not have internet access, call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999
Re.: hand washing and respiratory hygiene
There are general principles you can follow to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
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washing your hands more often - with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitiser when you get home or into work, when you blow your nose, sneeze or cough, eat or handle food
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avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
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avoid close contact with people who have symptoms
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cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in a bin and wash your hands: Catch It, Bin It, Kill It!
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clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in the home
The above advice is taken from the latest government publications for which you can follow the links and read in full. They may be of interest to us all.
Stay at home: Guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection
Staying alert and safe (social distancing)
Actions for Early Years and childcare providers during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak [part of 'Education and Childcare during coronavirus']