Truly Scrumptious Nursery is committed to maintaining the health, safety, and wellbeing of all children, staff, and families. This policy outlines precautionary measures and operational procedures aimed at minimising the risk of transmission during an epidemic or pandemic, such as COVID-19.

This policy is guided by:

• Coronavirus Act 2020

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

• Guidance from: Public Health England (PHE), Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Department for Education (DfE), World Health Organization (WHO), and Local Authorities (LA)

• Other relevant bodies, including Ofsted and the EYFS Framework

This policy is subject to ongoing review in line with updated government guidance and public health advice.

Policy Aims

• To define the operating procedures in response to an epidemic or pandemic

• To safeguard children, families, and staff through hygiene, infection control, and risk assessment

• To ensure continuity of high-quality care and education

Core Principles

• Good hygiene and respiratory practices

• Enhanced cleaning procedures

• Prompt identification and isolation of suspected cases

• Clear communication with staff and families

• Adherence to updated government and health guidance

Areas of Consideration

Children

Attendance

• Children who test positive for COVID-19 will be advised to stay home and avoid contact with others for at least 3 days following the test date.

• Families must inform the nursery of any symptoms or positive results.

Care Routines

• All care routines (nappy changing, meals, toileting) will be carried out in designated areas and cleaned after each use.

• Parents should apply sunscreen at home before arrival to limit contact.

Wellbeing and Education

• Children will be supported in age-appropriate ways to understand:

  • Regular handwashing

  • “Catch it, bin it, kill it” approach

• The EYFS curriculum will continue as normal through play and adult-led activities.

• Children will have continuous access to water; staff will ensure individual cups are not shared.

Staff

Attendance

• Staff who test positive will be advised to stay home for 3 days to protect others.

Hygiene and PPE

• PPE is optional for general use but must be worn during:

  • Nappy changes

  • Administering first aid

  • One-to-one personal care

• If staff wish to use additional PPE, they must supply their own.

Uniform and Safety

• Staff must wear clean clothes daily.

• Rooms should be ventilated (open windows where possible).

• Open doors must be monitored with locked gates to maintain safety.

Training

• All staff must be trained on:

  • Infection control procedures

  • Updated risk assessments

  • Emergency response plans

• Online training may be used when applicable.

Parents and Visitors

Drop-Off and Collection

• Designated entrances will remain in use for each age group:

  • Toddlers: Side gate near garden

  • Babies: First door by office

  • Preschool: Main entrance

• This system supports smooth transitions and limits corridor congestion.

Setting Access

• Parents and visitors (e.g., for showarounds, settling-in sessions, or meetings) may enter the nursery as needed.

Communication

• Parents will be regularly informed of:

  • Changes to policies or operations

  • Their role in keeping the setting safe

• Updates and day-to-day communication will continue via the Famly app or by phone.

Health, Hygiene & Cleaning

Hand Washing

• Everyone must wash their hands for at least 20 seconds upon arrival.

• Handwashing is also required:

  • Before/after meals

  • After using the toilet or outdoor play

  • After coughing/sneezing

• Handwashing stations are located at each site entrance.

Cleaning and Disinfection

• An enhanced cleaning schedule is in place.

• Frequently touched surfaces and communal areas will be cleaned regularly.

• A professional cleaner will:

  • Deep clean daily

  • Use a disinfectant fogger every Friday evening for full-room sanitisation

Waste Disposal

• Tissues and waste must be disposed of in bins with lids and foot pedals.

• Bodily fluids will be double-bagged and handled per NHS guidelines.

Laundry

• Towels, bedding, and flannels will not be shared and will be washed:

  • Weekly

  • Immediately if soiled or used by an unwell child

Risk Assessment

• Daily risk assessments will address virus transmission risks and ensure control measures are in place.

• All new activities or changes to the environment will be assessed accordingly.

Resources and Equipment

• All children’s resources will be cleaned and/or sterilised regularly.

• Staff equipment (e.g. tablets, stationery) will be allocated individually where possible and cleaned frequently.

Suspected Cases

Children

• If a child develops symptoms while at nursery:

  • They will be isolated and must be collected immediately.

  • The area will be ventilated and thoroughly cleaned.

Staff

• Staff who become unwell during the day must leave immediately and isolate at home.

Outbreaks and Closures

• In the event of a confirmed outbreak:

  • Additional deep cleaning will be arranged

  • The nursery will liaise with:

    • The Health Protection Agency (HPA)

    • Local Authority

    • DfE

• During any closures, staff will maintain contact with families via the Famly app, including:

  • Activity ideas

  • Wellbeing support

  • Progress updates

Review and Compliance

This policy will be reviewed regularly in line with the latest public health advice and government guidance.

Policy written by Brittany V – Nursery Manager – 22/05/2025