4.0 First aid
Policy statement
In our setting staff are able to take action to apply first aid treatment in the event of an accident involving a child or adult. All staff have current first aid training who are on the premises or on an outing at any one time. The first aid qualification includes first aid training for infants and young children.
Procedures
The First Aid Kit
Our first aid kit is accessible at all times.
Our first aid kit complies with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and contains the following items only:
▪ Triangular bandages (ideally at least one should be sterile) – x 4.
▪ Sterile dressings:
a) Small (formerly Medium No 8) – x 3.
b) Medium (formerly Large No 9) – HSE 1 – x 3.
c) Large (formerly Extra Large No 3) – HSE 2 – x 3.
▪ Composite pack containing 20 assorted (individually-wrapped) plasters 1.
▪ Sterile eye pads (with bandage or attachment) eg No 16 dressing 2.
▪ Container or 6 safety pins 1.
▪ Guidance card as recommended by HSE 1.
In addition to the first aid equipment, each box should be supplied with:
▪ 2 pairs of disposable plastic (PVC or vinyl) gloves.
▪ 1 plastic disposable apron.
▪ a children’s forehead ‘strip’ thermometer.
▪ The first aid box is easily accessible to adults and is kept out of the reach of children.
▪ No un-prescribed medication is given to children, parents or staff.
▪ At the time of admission to the setting, parents’ written permission for emergency medical advice or treatment is sought. Parents sign and date their written approval.
▪ Parents sign a consent form at registration allowing staff to take their child to the nearest Accident and Emergency unit to be examined, treated or admitted as necessary on the understanding that parents have been informed and are on their way to the hospital.
▪ We must notify OFSTED of any serious accident, illness or injury to, or death of, any child while in our care within 14 days. We commit an offence if this is not done. We must also notify local child protection agencies of any serious accident or injury to, or the death of, any child while in our care, and must act on any advice from those agencies.
▪ We must keep a written record of accidents or injuries and first aid treatment. We must also keep parents/carers informed of any accident or injury sustained by the child on the same day of any first aid treatment.
Legal framework
▪ Health and Safety (First Aid ) Regulations (1981)
Further guidance
▪ First Aid at Work: Your questions answered (HSE 1997)
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg214.pdf
▪ Basic Advice on First Aid at Work (HSE 2006)
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg347.pdf
These policies was adopted at a meeting of: Little Alpacas
Held on: September 2022
Date to be reviewed: September 2023
Name of signatory: Carly Turner
Role of signatory: Director
4.1 Administering medicines
Policy statement
While it is not our policy to care for sick children, who should be at home until they are well, usually 48 hours after the last bout of sickness before they return to the setting, we will agree to administer medication as part of maintaining their health and well-being or when they are recovering from an illness.
In many cases, it is possible for children’s GP’s to prescribe medicine that can be taken at home in the morning and evening. As far as possible, administering medicines will only be done where it would be detrimental to the child’s health if not given in the setting. If a child has not had medication before, it is advised that the parent keeps the child at home for the first 48 hours to ensure no adverse effect as well as to give time for the medication to take effect.
These procedures are written in line with current guidance in ‘Managing Medicines in Schools and Early Years Settings; the Leader is responsible for ensuring all staff understand and follow these procedures.
The key person is responsible for the correct administration of medication to children for whom they are the key person. This includes ensuring that parent consent forms have been completed, that medicines are stored correctly and that records are kept according to procedures. In the absence of the key person, the Leader is responsible for the overseeing of administering medication.
Procedures
- Children taking prescribed medication must be well enough to attend the setting.
- Only prescribed medication by a Doctor (or other medically qualified person) is administered, we will, however, administer common medications/Ointments from the chemist with strict permission form parents It must be in-date and prescribed for the current condition.
- Medicines containing aspirin should only be given if prescribed by a Doctor
- Children’s prescribed medicines are stored in their original containers, are clearly labelled and are inaccessible to the children.
- Parents give prior written permission for the administration of medication. The staff receiving the medication must ask the parent to sign a consent form stating the following information. No medication may be given without these details being provided:
▪ Full name of child and date of birth.
▪ Name of medication and strength.
▪ Who prescribed it?
▪ Dosage to be given in the setting.
▪ How the medication should be stored and expiry date.
▪ Any possible side effects that may be expected should be noted; and
▪ The signature of the parent, their printed name and date.
The manager will inform all members of staff at the beginning of the session of any children who may need medication and how it is to be administered.
- The administration is recorded accurately each time it is given and is signed by staff. Parents sign the record book to acknowledge the administration of a medicine. The medication record book records:
- Name of child.
- Name and strength of medication.
- The date and time of dose.
- Dose given and method; and is
- Signed by key person/manager; and is verified by parent signature at the end of the day.
Storage of medicines
▪ All medication is stored safely in a locked cupboard. Where the cupboard is not used solely for storing medicines, they are kept in a marked plastic box.
▪ The child’s key person is responsible for ensuring medicine is handed back at the end of the day to the parent.
▪ For some conditions, medication may be kept in the setting. Key persons check that any medication held to administer on and as and when required basis, or on a regular basis, is in date and returns any out-of-date medication back to the parents.
Staff are informed that any medication is stored either in a locked cupboard or is stored in a plastic box in the fridge by the manager at the beginning of the session. - If the administration of prescribed medication requires medical knowledge, individual training is provided for the relevant member of staff by a health professional.
▪ If rectal diazepam is given another member of staff must be present and co-signs the record book.
▪ No child may self-administer. Where children are capable of understanding when they need medication, for example with asthma, they should be encouraged to tell their key person what they need. However, this does not replace staff vigilance in knowing and responding when a child requires medication. Children who have long term medical conditions and who may require on ongoing medication.
▪ A risk assessment is carried out for each child with long term medical conditions that require ongoing medication. This is the responsibility of the leader alongside the key person. Other medical or social care personnel may need to be involved in the risk assessment.
▪ Parents will also contribute to a risk assessment. They should be shown around the setting, understand the routines and activities and point out anything which they think may be a risk factor for their child.
▪ For some medical conditions key staff will need to have training in a basic understanding of the condition as well as how the medication is to be administered correctly. The training needs for staff forms part of the risk assessment.
▪ The risk assessment includes vigorous activities and any other activity that may give cause for concern regarding an individual child’s health needs.
▪ The risk assessment includes arrangements for taking medicines on outings and the child’s GP’s advice is sought if necessary where there are concerns.
▪ A health care plan for the child is drawn up with the parent; outlining the key person’s role and what information must be shared with other staff who care for the child.
▪ The health care plan should include the measures to be taken in an emergency. ▪ The health care plan is reviewed every six months or more if necessary. This includes reviewing the medication, e.g. changes to the medication or the dosage, any side effects noted etc
▪ Parents receive a copy of the health care plan and each contributor, including the parent, signs it.
Managing medicines on trips and outings
▪ If children are going on outings, staff accompanying the children must include the key person for the child with a risk assessment, or another member of staff who is fully informed about the child’s needs and/or medication.
▪ Medication for a child is taken in a sealed plastic box clearly labelled with the child’s name, name of the medication, Inside the box is a copy of the consent form and a card to record when it has been given, with the details as given above.
▪ On returning to the setting the card is stapled to the medicine record book and the parent signs it.
▪ If a child on medication has to be taken to hospital, the child’s medication is taken in a sealed plastic box clearly labelled with the child’s name, name of the medication. Inside the box is a copy of the consent form signed by the parent and a card to record when it has been given.
▪ On returning to the setting the card is then stapled to the medicine record book to be signed by the parents.
▪ If a child on medication has to be taken to hospital, the child’s medication is taken in a sealed plastic box clearly labelled with the child’s name and the name of the medication. Inside the box is a copy of the consent form signed by the parent.
▪ As a precaution, children should not eat when travelling in vehicles This procedure is read alongside the outing’s procedure.
Legal framework
▪ The Human Medicines Regulations (2012)
These policies was adopted at a meeting of: Little Alpacas
Held on: September 2022
Date to be reviewed: September 2023
Name of signatory: Carly Turner
Role of signatory: Director
4.2 Managing children with allergies, or who are sick or infectious (Including reporting notifiable diseases)
Policy statement
We provide care for healthy children and promote health through identifying allergies and preventing contact with the allergenic substance and through preventing cross infection of viruses and bacterial infections.
Procedures for children with allergies
▪ When parents start their children at the setting they are asked if their child suffers from any known allergies. This is recorded on the registration form.
▪ If a child has an allergy, a risk assessment form is completed to detail the following:
▪ The allergen (i.e. the substance, material or living creature the child is allergic to such as nuts, eggs, bee stings, cats etc).
▪ The nature of the allergic reactions e.g. anaphylactic shock reaction, including rash, reddening of skin, swelling, breathing problems etc.
▪ What to do in case of allergic reactions, any medication used and how it is to be used (e.g. Epipen).
▪ Control measures – such as how the child can be prevented from contact with the allergen.
▪ Review.
▪ This form is kept in the child’s personal file and a copy is displayed where staff can see it.
▪ Parents train staff in how to administer special medication in the event of an allergic reaction.
▪ Generally, no nuts or nut products are used within the setting.
▪ Parents are made aware so that no nut or nut products are accidentally brought in, for example to a party.
Insurance requirements for children with allergies and disabilities
▪ The insurance will automatically include children with any disability or allergy but certain procedures must be strictly adhered to as set out below. For children suffering life threatening conditions or requiring invasive treatments; written confirmation from your insurance provider must be obtained to extend the insurance.
At all times the administration of medication must be compliant with the Welfare Requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and follow procedures based on advice given in Managing Medicines in Schools and Early Years Settings (DfES 2005)
Oral Medication
Asthma inhalers are now regarded as “oral medication” by insurers and so documents do not need to be forwarded to your insurance provider.
▪ Oral medications must be prescribed by a GP or have manufacturer’s instructions clearly written on them.
▪ The setting must be provided with clear written instructions on how to administer such medication.
▪ All risk assessment procedures need to be adhered to for the correct storage and administration of the medication.
▪ The setting must have the parents or guardians’ prior written consent. This consent must be kept on file. It is not necessary to forward copy documents to your insurance provider.
▪ Life saving medication & invasive treatments – adrenaline injections (Epipens) for anaphylactic shock reactions (caused by allergies to nuts, eggs etc) or invasive treatments such as rectal administration of Diazepam (for epilepsy).
▪ The setting must have:
▪ a letter from the child’s GP/consultant stating the child’s condition and what medication if any is to be administered.
▪ written consent from the parent or guardian allowing staff to administer medication; and
▪ proof of training in the administration of such medication by the child’s GP, a district nurse, children’s nurse specialist or a community paediatric nurse.
▪ . Confirmation will then be issued in writing confirming that the insurance has been extended.
Procedures for children who are sick or infectious
▪ If children appear unwell during the day – have a temperature, sickness, diarrhoea or pains, particularly in the head or stomach – the manager calls the parents and asks them to collect the child or send a known carer to collect on their behalf.
▪ If a child has a temperature, they are kept cool, by removing top clothing, sponging their heads with cool water, but kept away from draughts.
▪ Temperature is taken using a ‘fever scan’ kept near to the first aid box.
▪ In extreme cases of emergency, the child should be taken to the nearest hospital and the parent informed.
▪ Parents are asked to take their child to the doctor before returning them to pre school; the pre school can refuse admittance to children who have a temperature, sickness and diarrhoea or a contagious infection or disease.
▪ Where children have been prescribed antibiotics, parents are asked to keep them at home for 48 hours before returning to the setting.
▪ After sickness & diarrhoea, parents are asked to keep children home for 48 hours or until a formed stool is passed.
▪ The setting has a list of excludable diseases and current exclusion times. The full list is obtainable from www.patient.co.uk and includes common childhood illnesses such as measles.
Reporting of ‘notifiable diseases’
▪ If a child or adult is diagnosed suffering from a notifiable disease under the Public Health Protection (notification) Regulations 2010, the GP will report this to the Health Protection Agency.
▪ When the setting becomes aware, or is formally informed of the notifiable disease, the manager informs Ofsted and acts on any advice given by the Health Protection Agency.
HIV/AIDS/Hepatitis procedure
▪ HIV virus, like other viruses such as Hepatitis, (A, B and C) are spread through body fluids. Hygiene precautions for dealing with body fluids are the same for all children and adults.
▪ Single use vinyl gloves and aprons are worn when changing children’s nappies, pants and clothing that are soiled with blood, urine, faeces or vomit.
▪ Protective rubber gloves are used for cleaning/sluicing clothing after changing.
▪ Soiled clothing is rinsed and either bagged for parents to collect or laundered in the setting.
▪ Spills of blood, urine, faeces or vomit are cleared using mild disinfectant solution and mops; cloths used are disposed of with the clinical waste.
▪ Tables and other furniture, furnishings or toys affected by blood, urine, faeces or vomit are cleaned using a disinfectant.
Nits and head lice
▪ Nits and head lice are not an excludable condition, although in exceptional cases a parent may be asked to keep the child away until the infestation has cleared.
▪ On identifying cases of head lice, all parents are informed and asked to treat their child and all the family if they are found to have head lice.
Further guidance
Managing Medicines in Schools and Early Years Settings (DfES 2005)
These policies was adopted at a meeting of: Little Alpacas
Held on: September 2022
Date to be reviewed: September 2023
Name of signatory: Carly Turner
Role of signatory: Director
4.3 Recording and reporting of accidents and incidents
(Including procedures for reporting to HSE under RIDDOR requirements).
Policy Statement
We follow the guidelines of the Reporting Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences (RIDDOR) for the reporting of accidents and incidents. Child protection matters or behavioural incidents between children are NOT regarded as incidents and there are separate procedures for this.
Procedures
Our accident book:
▪ is kept in a safe and secure place.
▪ is accessible to all staff and volunteers, who know how to complete it; and
▪ is reviewed at least half termly to identify any potential or actual hazards.
Reporting accidents and incidents:
Ofsted is notified as soon as possible, but at least within 14 days, of any instances which involve:
▪ Food poisoning affecting two or more children looked after on our premises.
▪ A serious accident or injury to, or serious illness of, a child in our care and the action we take in response; and
▪ The death of a child in our care.
Local child protection agencies are informed of any serious accident or injury to a child, or the death of a child, while in our care and we act on any advice given by those agencies.
Any food poisoning affecting two or more children or adults on our premises is reported to the local Environment Health Department.
We meet our legal requirements for the safety of our employees by complying with RIDDOR (the Reporting of Injury, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations). We report to the Health and Safety Executive:
▪ Any work-related accident leading to an injury to a child or adult, for which they are taken to hospital
▪ Any work-related injury to a member of staff, which results in them being unable to work for seven consecutive days
▪ When a member of staff suffers from a reportable work-related disease or illness
▪ Any death, of a child or adult, that occurs in connection with activities relating to our work; and
▪ any dangerous occurrences. This may be an event that causes injury or fatalities or an event that does not cause an accident but could have done, such as a gas leak.
Any dangerous occurrence is recorded in our incident book.
Our incident book
▪ We have ready access to telephone numbers for emergency services, including local police. Where we are responsible for the premises, we have contact numbers for gas and electricity emergency services, carpenter and plumber. Where we rent premises, we ensure we have access to the person responsible and that there is a shared procedure for dealing with emergencies.
▪ We keep an incident book for recording incidents including those that are reportable to the Health and Safety Executive as above.
▪ These incidents include:
▪ Break in, burglary, theft of personal or the setting’s property.
▪ An intruder gaining unauthorised access to the premises.
▪ Fire, flood, gas leak or electrical failure.
▪ Attack on member of staff or parent on the premises or nearby.
▪ Any racist incident involving staff or family on the centre’s premises.
▪ Death of a child, and
▪ A terrorist attack, or threat of one.
▪ In the incident book we record the date and time of the incident, nature of the event, who was affected, what was done about it – or if it was reported to the police, and if so a crime number. Any follow up, or insurance claim made, should also be recorded.
▪ In the unlikely event of a terrorist attack we follow the advice of the emergency services about evacuation, medical aid and contacting children’s families. Our standard Fire Safety Policy will be followed, and staff will take charge of their key children. The incident is recorded when the threat is averted.
▪ In the unlikely event of a child dying on the premises, for example, through cot death in the case of a baby, or any other means involving an older child, the emergency services are called, and the advice of these services are followed.
▪ The incident book is not for recording issues of concern involving a child. This is recorded in the child’s own file.
Legal framework
▪ Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR 1995) Further guidance
▪ RIDDOR Guidance and Reporting Form
www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/index.htm
These policies was adopted at a meeting of: Little Alpacas
Held on: September 2022
Date to be reviewed: September 2023
Name of signatory: Carly Turner
Role of signatory: Director
4.4 Nappy changing
Policy statement
No child is excluded from participating in our setting who may, for any reason, not yet be toilet trained and who may still be wearing nappies or equivalent. We work with parents towards toilet training unless there are medical or other developmental reasons why this may not be appropriate at the time.
We make necessary adjustments to our bathroom provision and hygiene practice to accommodate children who are not, yet toilet trained.
We see toilet training as a self-care skill that children can learn with the full support and non judgemental concern of adults.
Procedures
▪ Key persons undertake changing young children in their key groups; back up key persons change them if the key person is absent.
▪ Changing areas are safe for young children.
▪ Each young child has their own bag to hand with their nappies or ’pull ups’ and changing wipes.
▪ Gloves and aprons are put on before changing starts and the areas are prepared. Paper towel is put down on the changing mat freshly for each child.
▪ All staff are familiar with the hygiene procedures and carry these out when changing nappies.
▪ In addition, key persons ensure that nappy changing is relaxed and a time to promote independence in young children.
▪ Young children are encouraged to take an interest in using the toilet; they may just want to sit on it and talk to a friend who is also using the toilet.
▪ They should be encouraged to wash their hands and have soap and towels to hand. They should be allowed time for some play as they explore the water and the soap.
▪ Anti-bacterial hand wash liquid or soap should not be used for young children.
▪ Key persons are gentle when changing; they avoid pulling faces and making negative comment about ‘nappy contents.
▪ Key persons do not make inappropriate comments about young children’s genitals when changing their nappies
▪ Older children access the toilet when they have the need to and are encouraged to be independent.
▪ Nappies and ’pull ups’ are disposed of hygienically and the nappy or pull up is bagged and put in the bin. Cloth nappies, trainer pants and ordinary pants that have been wet or soiled are rinsed and bagged for the parent to take home.
▪ NB If young children are left in wet or soiled nappies/’pull ups’ in the setting this may constitute neglect and will be a disciplinary matter. Settings have a ‘duty of care’ towards children’s personal needs.
These policies was adopted at a meeting of: Little Alpacas
Held on: September 2022
Date to be reviewed: September 2023
Name of signatory: Carly Turner
Role of signatory: Director
4.5 Food and drink
Policy statement
This setting regards snack times as an important part of the day. Eating represents a social time for children and adults and helps children to learn about healthy eating. We promote healthy eating and at snack time we aim to provide nutritious snacks, which meet the children’s individual needs.
Procedures
We follow these procedures to promote healthy eating in our setting.
▪ Before a child starts to attend the setting, we find out from parents their children’s dietary needs and preferences, including any allergies. (See the Managing Children with Allergies policy.)
▪ We record information about each child’s dietary needs in her/his registration record and parents sign the record to signify that it is correct.
▪ We regularly consult with parents to ensure that our records of their children’s dietary needs – including any allergies – are up to date. Parents sign the up-dated record to signify that it is correct.
▪ We display current information about individual children’s dietary needs so that all staff and volunteers are fully informed about them.
▪ We implement systems to ensure that children receive only food and drink, including fresh drinking water that is consistent with their dietary needs and preferences as well as their parents’ wishes.
▪ When planning cooking activities, we include foods from the diet of each of the children’s cultural backgrounds, providing children with familiar foods and introducing them to new ones.
▪ We take care not to provide food containing nuts or nut products and are especially vigilant where we have a child who has a known allergy to nuts.
▪ Through discussion with parents and research reading by staff, we obtain information about the dietary rules of the religious groups, to which children and their parents belong, and of vegetarians and vegans, and about food allergies. We take account of this information in the provision of food and drinks.
▪ We require staff to show sensitivity in providing for children’s diets and allergies. Staff do not use a child’s diet or allergy as a label for the child or make a child feel singled out because of her/his diet or allergy.
▪ We organise snack times so that they are social occasions in which children and staff participate. All hygiene requirements are in place with the use of anti bacterial spray.
▪ We use snack times to help children to develop independence through making choices, serving food and drink and feeding themselves.
▪ We provide children with utensils that are appropriate for their ages and stages of development and that take account of the eating practices in their cultures.
▪ We have fresh drinking water constantly available for the children. We inform the children about how to obtain the water and that they can ask for water at any time during the day.
▪ In order to protect children with food allergies, we discourage children from sharing and swapping their food with one another.
▪ For children who drink milk, we provide semi-skimmed pasteurised milk.
▪ Ensure staff sit with children to eat their snack so that the mealtime is a social occasion.
Legal Framework
▪ Regulation (EC) 852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the hygiene of foodstuffs
Further guidance
▪ Safer Food, Better Business
www.food.gov.uk/foodindustry/regulation/hygleg/hyglegresources/sfbb/
These policies was adopted at a meeting of: Little Alpacas
Held on: September 2022
Date to be reviewed: September 2023
Name of signatory: Carly Turner
Role of signatory: Director
4.6 Food hygiene
(Including procedure for reporting food poisoning)
Policy statement
We maintain the highest possible food hygiene standards about the purchase, storage, preparation and serving of food.
We are registered as a food provider with the local authority Environmental Health Department.
Procedures
▪ The person in charge and the person responsible for food preparation understands the principles of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) as it applies to their business. This is set out in Safer Food Better Business. The basis for this is risk assessment as it applies to the purchase, storage, preparation and serving of food to prevent growth of bacteria and food contamination.
▪ All staff follow the guidelines of Safer Food Better Business.
▪ All staff involved in the preparation and handling of food have received training in food hygiene.
▪ The person responsible for food preparation and serving carries out daily opening and closing checks on the kitchen to ensure standards are met consistently. (See Safer Food Better Business.)
▪ We use reliable suppliers for the food we purchase.
▪ Food is stored at correct temperatures and is checked to ensure it is in-date and not subject to contamination by pests, rodents or mould.
▪ Packed lunches are stored in a cool place; un-refrigerated food is served to children within 4 hours of preparation at home.
▪ Food preparation areas are cleaned before use as well as after use.
▪ There are separate facilities for handwashing and for washing up.
▪ All surfaces are clean and non-porous.
▪ All utensils, crockery etc are clean and stored appropriately.
▪ Waste food is disposed of daily.
▪ Cleaning materials and other dangerous materials are stored out of children’s reach.
▪ Children do not have unsupervised access to the kitchen.
▪ When children take part in cooking activities, they:
▪ Are always supervised.
▪ Understand the importance of hand washing and simple hygiene rules
▪ Are kept away from hot surfaces and hot water; and
▪ Do not have unsupervised access to electrical equipment such as blenders etc.
Reporting of food poisoning
▪ Food poisoning can occur for several reasons; not all cases of sickness or diarrhoea are because of food poisoning and not all cases of sickness or diarrhoea are reportable.
▪ Where children and/or adults have been diagnosed by a GP or hospital doctor to be suffering from food poisoning and where it seems possible that the source of the outbreak is within the setting, the manager will contact the Environmental Health Department and the Health Protection Agency, to report the outbreak and will comply with any investigation.
▪ Any confirmed cases of food poisoning affecting two or more children looked after on the premises are notified to Ofsted as soon as is reasonably practical and within 14 days of incident.
Legal Framework
▪ Regulation (EC) 852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the hygiene of foodstuffs
Further guidance
▪ Safer Food Better Business (Food Standards Agency)
www.food.gov.uk/foodindustry/regulation/hygleg/hyglegresources/sfbb/sfbbcaterer
These policies was adopted at a meeting of: Little Alpacas
Held on: September 2022
Date to be reviewed: September 2023
Name of signatory: Carly Turner
Role of signatory: Director
4.7 COVID-19
Policy statement
About Covid-19
Covid-19/Coronavirus has caused a pandemic. It affects the lungs and airways and the symptoms can range from mild to severe and can in some cases be fatal. The main symptoms are a temperature and/or new continuous cough and new guidelines have also stated possible loss of taste and smell.
The virus can be spread through contact with an infected person either through sneezing or coughing (respiratory secretions) or by touching a surface or object that has been contaminated with respiratory secretions.
This policy will set out the measures that Little Alpacas will put into place and the steps we will take to minimise the risk of the spread of infection following government and health and safety guidelines. This policy is for the protection of all staff, children, parents and families at Little Alpacas.
We are aware of the dangers of being exposed to Covid-19 and will do our very best to ensure the safety of every single person that enters our setting.
Throughout the pandemic we will continue to keep you up to date with all the government guidance.
Procedures to minimise the risk of the spread of infection.
We will be asking parents to drop their child off at the front outside area where a member of staff will greet you to take your children inside, this will help minimise the risk of bringing infection into the setting. We ask that whilst outside at drop off time and pick up time you maintain a 2 metre distance from everyone, face coverings are to be worn by parents/carers whilst dropping off and
collecting their child. Only one parent/carer to bring and collect their child and where possible do not bring siblings onto the site.
Parents and visitors will not be permitted into the building. In the event of new children attending for settling in sessions, one parent will be allowed in the building to meet the child’s key person keeping within the social distancing measures. The parent will be required to use hand sanitiser. This meeting will be limited to 30 minutes.
Please ensure you arrive at the correct time. You are required to maintain the 2 metre distance at all times. The staff will follow strict hygiene measures when arriving at the setting and will continue throughout the day. Clean uniforms will be worn each day and we also ask that children wear clean clothes each day. Staff will also adhere to the 2 metre distance between them where possible. Children will be encouraged to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and paper towels will be used to dry hands and will be placed straight into the bin upon arrival and at regular intervals during the day and also before leaving the setting. Hand sanitiser will also be available in all rooms and outside.
Frequent strict cleaning routines will be adhered to throughout the day which will include disinfecting surfaces, door handles, light switches, furniture and toys. Rigorous checks will be made by management throughout the day to ensure procedures are followed and a thorough clean will take place at the end of each day. Any materials that we deem difficult to clean will be removed.
All children will be reminded to catch coughs and sneezes into tissue which will be placed straight into the bin, followed by strict handwashing.
All children will be escorted to the toilet one at a time and will be encouraged to wash their hands and the toilet will be wiped with anti bacterial wipes after each use.
We will try and implement safe social distancing as well as we can but as you can imagine small children may find it difficult to understand why they cannot sit as close to their peers as they normally could, also children may need comforting.
Staff ratios will still be maintained in accordance with the EYFS.
Staff will continue to maintain the children’s learning journeys and will still carry out observations, however, our main priority is keeping the children as safe as possible and ensuring their time at Little Alpacas is a happy and positive experience under the current circumstances. If you wish to discuss anything regarding your child can you ensure that this is done by telephone, email or on our closed facebook messenger group, this will help limit the contact with staff.
Please make sure you apply sunscreen before attending in the morning and ensure your child has a sun hat.
Children will not be permitted to bring in items from home, the only exception will be a dummy or comforter if really needed and please ensure these are cleaned daily.
If you usually provide nappies, wipes or creams, can you label them and bring these in plastic bags that can be disposed of and ensure there is enough to last.
If a child becomes unwell during the day with any symptoms associated with Covid-19 they will immediately be isolated and parents will be called to collect their child. A staff member will stay with the child and will be required to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) which will include gloves, apron and face mask.
If Covid-19 is suspected the child and family must adhere to isolating rules. We strongly advise contacting the NHS 111 service and arrange a test. If the test is negative your child will be able to return and isolation can end. If a test is positive the rest of the setting must adhere to isolating rules. This guidance also refers to staff members. Anyone already self isolating or are showing symptoms of Covid-19 should not attend the setting. Most children originally identified as clinically extremely vulnerable no longer need to avoid attending unless a GP or Specialist has confirmed that the child should not attend. Children who live with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable should still attend the setting. Staff who have received a notification from the government confirming that they should be shielding will not need to attend work and may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
Parents must ensure that they report any absences as early as possible.
Outbreak Management
In the event that we have a positive case within the setting all close contacts should be notified by track and trace for further guidance, in the event that this does not happen, management will notify all close contacts identified and advise to take a PCR test.
The positive case/cases will need to isolate for 10 days. Children who have been identified as a close contact or adults over 18 years and 6 months who have been double jabbed will not need to isolate but under new guidance (with the spread of the new Omicron variant) they will need to take a lateral flow test for 7 days and if they develop symptoms they will need to take a PCR test and take extra precautions such as limiting their contact with others, socially distance where possible, to increase their handwashing and hygiene.
Extra cleaning regimes will be adhered to as well as extra handwashing etc. The local authority will be notified as well as The Department for Education and Ofsted. Public Health England can also be contacted for advice and guidance. During such times that there is a confirmed case, the staff will be asked to take lateral flow tests on a daily basis instead of the usual twice weekly.
In the event that there is a shortage of staff, due to illness or isolating and to avoid closure it may be necessary to ask parents to rearrange their children’s sessions and will be offered an alternative day or refund. If the setting does need to close due to staff shortages, parents will be contacted at the earliest opportunity and they will not be charged for the duration of the closure. If a staff member needs to isolate due to testing positive or having to isolate, they will receive SSP frin the first day of absence. The setting will require an isolation note which can be obtained online.
The Local Authority, Department for Education and Ofsted will be notified of any closures.
Our usual policies and procedures will be followed for other illnesses and/or accidents.
Further guidance
▪ https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Guidance for educational settings
▪ https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/education-and-childcare
Guidance for parents
These policies was adopted at a meeting of: Little Alpacas
Held on:
Date to be reviewed:
Name of signatory: Carly Turner
Role of signatory: Director
4.8 Stress Management Policy
Policy Statement
Stress:
Stress is the body’s reaction to feeling threatened or under pressure. It’s very common, can be motivating to help us achieve things in our daily life, and can help us meet the demands of home, work and family life.
But too much stress can affect our mood, our body, and our relationships, especially when it feels out of our control. It can make us feel anxious and irritable and affect our self-esteem. Experiencing a lot of stress over a long period of time can also lead to a feeling of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion, often called burnout.
It is important that we can recognise the early signs of stress, but it is equally important that staff are also aware of the signs.
Signs of stress:
Physical Stress:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Chest Pain
- Palpitations
Behavioural - Smoking
- Alcohol – increased drinking
- Nail biting
- Changes to eating habits
- Erratic mood changes
Emotional
- Irritability
- Withdrawal of social contact
- Low self-esteem
- Guilt
- Panic
- Worrying inappropriately
Work Related - Loss of motivation
- Increased absence
- Poor timekeeping
- Lack of concentration
- Increase in errors
- Tension/conflict between colleagues
Procedures
Little Alpacas take stress related issues seriously and aim to support and understand staff who may be feeling stressed. Staff can often feel isolated and we aim to have an open-door policy which will help eliminate feelings of having to cope alone and reduce stress. At Little Alpacas we will aim to protect employees from undue work-related stress, dealing with any concerns and taking appropriate action.
We will ensure that we are available for staff to discuss any problems. We will ensure that confidentiality is always adhered to.
We will respond promptly to any complaints of bullying, harassment etc.
We will actively encourage good team work to reduce feelings of isolation, encouraging staff to use effective communication.
To encourage staff to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others. We will hold regular supervisions which will give staff the chance to discuss any concerns they may have.
We ensure that our stress risk assessments are kept up to date.
We will ensure that staff are aware of any support they may be able to get e.g. • https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk
- https://www.bacp.co.uk
- https://www.hse.gov.uk
- https://www.mind.org.uk
- https://www.stress.org.uk
Legal Framework
- Equality Act 2010
- Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
These policies was adopted at a meeting of: Little Alpacas
Held on: September 2022
Date to be reviewed: September 2023
Name of signatory: Carly Turner
Role of signatory: Director