Promoting Health and Hygiene

 

Covid-19 Coronavirus

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Click Image above or here for Guidance on returning to Maryland after Lockdown

 

Covid-19 is a new illness that can affect the lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called Coronavirus.

Symptoms can be mild, moderate, severe or fatal.

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Policy Statement

Maryland will adhere to government directions in response to Covid-19 to minimise, as much as is reasonably possible, the risk of catching and spreading Coronavirus to children, staff, parents and any other visitors who physically come into contact with the preschool. 

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Procedures

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       Hygiene

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    Stringent hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds, will take place for staff, children and any other persons attending Maryland. Hands will be dried with disposable towels.
•    Staff will wash their hands-on arrival and departure at Maryland, and regularly throughout the session, including when prior to fitting gloves to prepare food.
•    When the children arrive, they will be taken to a staff member to sanitise their hands.

 The children will also wash their hands after coming in from the garden, before eating, after toileting and prior to being collected.
•    Staff will explain the coughing and sneezing process: to catch coughs and sneezes in tissues, to Catch-it, Bin-it, Kill-it, and to avoid touching face, eyes, nose or mouth with unclean hands. If tissues are not to hand, sneeze or cough into elbow. 
•    Gel sanitisers will be placed in areas where washing facilities are not readily available.
•    Snack will be prepared prior to the start of the session by a member of staff wearing a mask, disposable apron and gloves.
•    Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of objects and surfaces is still in place particularly in areas of high use such as door handles and light switches, using appropriate cleaning products and methods..
•     Toys and equipment are still cleaned frequently..

 

Health

•    A daily routine will be implemented to question parents/carers about the health of the child and others in the household. If Covid-19 related symptoms are present or suspected, then Maryland will decline the child.
•    Parent/carer must be rung immediately if a child becomes ill and asked to collect them.
•    If Maryland is advised that a member of staff, a child or their household has developed Covid-19 and were recently on our premises, the Manager will contact the Public Health Authority and take advice on any actions required. The Manager will contact Bucks County Council for further guidance.
•    As Key Workers, the staff  will take a lateral flow test twice a week.
•    Management will promote mental health and wellbeing awareness to staff during the Coronavirus outbreak and will offer support.

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Legal Framework

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Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Further Guidance

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https://.publichealth.hscni.net/
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
www.hseni.gov.uk/stresNo_softs
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/emollients/
https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people

 

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