Covid-19 : Nursery Re-Opening Plan 2021 / 22 Purpose

The objective of this plan is to share with parents / carers, staff and Plume Avenue United Reformed Church how the nursery will manage the return of children to nursery, being aware of the ongoing concerns raised by Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

~~~~~ Re-opening Plan

Subject to the Government maintaining current guidelines with regard to the opening of early years settings, Plume Avenue Nursery will follow the plan outlined below. This is of course subject to change and to any additional restrictions that may be required by our 'landlords', Plume Avenue United Reformed Church.

Current guidance remains that there is no need to restrict the number of children into smaller groups within the setting, however this also is subject to change. If we have significant staff absence, this may result in reduced opening hours across the week - we still require any member of staff who tests positive for Covid-19 to stay away from nursery until they have negative test results on two consecutive days.

We will endeavour to keep everyone informed of any changes as quickly as possible. It is therefore imperative that contact details (telephone and email) are kept up to date.

~~~~~ The Nursery Day

Since the reduction of restrictions over the last few months we have almost completely returned to a 'normal' nursery day. We will be concentrating much more on settling the children, observing and playing with them, noting their preferences; what they like and what they don't.

More time will be spent focussing on wellbeing, rebuilding relationships and concentrating on the three prime areas of the EYFS;

Communication & Language
Personal, Social & Emotional Development
Physical Development.

~~~~~ Our requirements from families

We need to emphasise that these rules are followed:

Please ensure all clothing is clearly labelled.
Children may only bring a lunchbox, snack and water bottle into nursery.
No toys to be brought in under any circumstances.
We must continue to promote the 'Catch it, Bin it, Kill it' approach.
Regular handwashing will be in place and at specific times during the day, such as
- on arrival,
- before and after eating,
- after any outside play and
- before going home.
Please ensure sufficient spare underwear / nappies are provided.
Any soiled underwear will be thrown away.

~~~~~ Attendance

Attendance for nursery will as always be recorded on the register on a daily basis.

If your child is absent we ask that you contact nursery, either by phone or email to confirm the reason for absence as soon as possible and preferably before 10:00am.

At present we will continue to make a note on the register of who came to collect rather than request signatures.

~~~~~ First Aid

Please do not send a child to nursery with any symptom of Covid-19. If you are unsure, err on the safe side, keep them at home and consider getting them a covid test.

If a child appears to have a high temperature we will check them with a non-contact thermometer. If your child has a temperature of 37.8 degrees or above they will need to be collected as soon as possible (or not allowed into nursery if checked upon arrival). Please DO NOT give your child calpol (or similar) if they feel unwell as this may mask Covid-19 symptoms.

We retain the right to refuse entry to the nursery if we feel a child is unwell.

In the event of your child becoming unwell at nursery we will not be taking any chances; they will be taken to another room and will wait there until they can be collected. They will need to be collected as quickly as possible. Please ensure your contact details are up to date and phones are kept on.

If a child cuts themselves or has an injury, we will administer first aid but taking the precautions of:

Adults will need to wear disposable gloves if a wound needs attending
Cold compresses for bumps and bangs will be immediately disposed of

~~~~~ Cleaning

Extra cleaning is in place across the nursery in line with guidance and this will continue.

Tables and surfaces will be regularly wiped down throughout the day.

Antibacterial hand wash will be in use throughout the nursery and staff will regularly use hand gel.

~~~~~ Covid -19 Symptoms

If a child or someone in their family is tested for Covid-19 the child must remain at home until the results are received. It is the responsibility of the parent/carer to inform the nursery immediately once they get the results, even if they are negative.

The same protocol applies if a staff member becomes unwell.

We will inform the whole nursery (and church contacts) if there are any positive results from testing.

We will not name individuals or their families.

~~~~~