Coronavirus

What is your overall approach during the pandemic?

At Once Upon A Time we priorities the health, safety and wellbeing of the children in our care, their families and our staff.  In specific regard to the coronavirus pandemic, we are operating to our own comprehensive and regularly updated COVID-19 risk assessment regarding infection control, and we will also continue to introduce additional measures in line with the latest guidance from the NHS, Public Health Bodies, and government.

What safety measures are in place?

In line with government and NHS recommendations we have put many additional measures in place. This includes regular cleaning and sanitisation of resources and regularly touched surfaces throughout the day. In depth deep cleaning weekly, and minimal external unnecessary visitors in the rooms.

How are you managing access to the nursery?
No staff member who has COVID-19 symptoms, (or who has a member of their family displaying symptoms) will be admitted into the nursery until they have either completed self-isolation in line with government guidance or have had a test and tested negative.  Parents will be asked to confirm at the nursery entrance that neither their child nor anybody in their household is displaying any COVID-19 symptoms such as a new continuous cough or a high temperature of 37.8°C or more.

Will staff be wearing PPE such as masks?

Staff are not required to wear PPE unless a child becomes unwell during the day and needs to go into Isolation. Staff can wear PPE throughout the day if they wish to.

Are staff being tested?
In line with the current government guidelines staff do not need to be routinely tested at this stage.  Staff and children can be tested if they display symptoms.

What additional cleaning and hygiene processes are you putting in place?
As previously mentioned high-risk contact areas such as door handles and doors, toys and children’s resources, phones, keyboards, light switches, taps, toilet flushes, sinks, countertops, handrails and bannisters, shared PCs, including children’s computers/iPads. We have removed activities which could pose a risk for cross contamination, such as sand and food play trays. As well as ensuring that staff and children are cleaning hands more often than usual, we are  ensuring good respiratory hygiene by promoting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach to any coughs or sneezes. Children will be supported to ensure they wash their hands properly.

What happens if a child or staff member becomes ill during the nursery day?
If children or staff develop any symptoms such as a new continuous cough or a high temperature of 37.8°C we will take immediate action. Staff will be asked to return home immediately, self-isolate and seek a test. For children we will keep them away from their peers with a member of the team cared for by a member staff who is known to them until a parent can come and collect them.