COVID-19 OPERATING PROCEDURE & RISK ASSESSMENT

Name of Setting :Giggles Day Nursery Ltd

Date: 01/02/21

Assessment completed by: Lorraine Norris Review Date:09/03/21

Task: Management of COVID-19 situation. This Risk Assessment must be kept under review and adapted as required. Up to date guidance is available on the government websites which must be consulted for the latest information. Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

Number of people affected: Children, parents / carers, employees, volunteers and visitors.

Training or Competence Requirements: Infection control training : Lorraine Norris

No changes recorded

Hazards Who is at Risk and How?

Possible Control Measures to minimise risks

Risk Rating Action by who and when? Likelihood Severity Total

Physical distancing / grouping of children

Children, staff, parents, visitors.

Limit where possible the amount of contact between different rooms or age groups of children, implementing small group activities throughout the day where possible. No group will be larger than 15 children.

Altering the environment by changing the layout of rooms. Simplifying the rooms, by spacing out the equipment, less seating, adding additional changing area in larger setting. Limiting soft furnishings and resources. More personal hygiene equipment throughout the setting. Parents information boards displayed outside main doors plus coat hooks. One way system in place, for drop offs and collections to the nursery. Slightly earlier collection time at lunchtimes and slightly later drop off times at lunchtimes.

3 4 12 All staff

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-educationhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closureshttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closureshttps://www.educare.co.uk/courses/infection-prevention-and-control-in-an-early-years-setting

Outdoor spaces should be used as much as possible. Children

encouraged to use different spaces within the garden.

Shared used rooms including dining areas and toileting facilities should be accessed by each room at different times and cleaned in between.

We distance beds / cots if possible. Minimize movement of staff between rooms as much as possible. Parents/carer’s encouraged to limit the number of settings their child

attends, ideally only one setting consistently. If necessary, settings, parents and carer’s should work through the ‘systems of controls’ collaboratively, allowing them to jointly deliver care for the child.

Emergency First Aid- Treating any casualty properly should be the first concern. Where it is necessary for first aid provision to be administered in close proximity, those administering it should pay particular attention to sanitation measures immediately afterwards, including washing hands.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Staff Parents Children Visitors Maintenance workers

Government guidance is that PPE is not required for general use in early years settings to protect against COVID-19 transmission - see DfE guidance.

Use of PPE is only required to be used for nappy changing and for administering first aid - see Prevention and control guidance.

PPE must be used to disinfect contaminated areas and when looking after a symptomatic child.

PPE is used for daily cleaning of the setting

The Setting has a process for removing face coverings when staff or visitors who use face coverings arrive at the setting, and when face coverings are worn at the setting in certain circumstances. This process is communicated clearly to staff and visitors. Safe wearing of face coverings requires cleaning of hands before and after touching – including to remove or put them on – and the safe storage of them in individual, sealable plastic bags between use. Where a face covering becomes damp, it should not be worn, and the face covering should be replaced carefully. The nursery provides a separate bin for face masks or parents are asked to dispose of them safely.

Separate bin installed at front door for PPE.

2 4 8 All staff

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closureshttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closureshttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-in-schools-and-other-childcare-facilities/chapter-3-prevention-and-control

Parents are required to wear face masks when dropping off and collecting children from the nursery.

Staff must wear their own face shield when talking to parents, visitors at the door. These are stored in their own labelled box.

Staff are allowed to wear a facemask if they chose to do so, if they feel concerned or anxious for their own wellbeing and health and safety.

Premises, Cleaning and Resources

Staff Children Parents Families Visitors

Clean and disinfect regularly touched objects and surfaces more often than usual using your standard cleaning products.

Posters in place around building. Soap, water and paper towels available in bathrooms.

Setting cleaned on a regular basis, step up of cleaning regimes to be more regular and cleaners advised to increase cleaning of door handles, light switches and other areas which are regularly used.

Disinfectant wipes available for computer workstations and telephones so that they can be cleaned on a regular basis.

Regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles, handrails, tabletops, play equipment and toys.

Reduce the use of shared resources such as toys and furniture before cleaning.

Remove items from rooms that are difficult to clean, e.g. soft toys, soft furnishings.

Carpets are limited and those used are steam cleaned regularly.

An enhanced cleaning schedule must be implemented.

All items requiring laundering are washed in line with NHS laundry guidelines.

3 4 12 All staff

https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/2020-03/V4%20Coronavirus%20advice%20for%20schools%20poster%20020302%20EDU15.0.4%20%282%29.pdf

Items such as towels, and bedding are not be shared between children and washed daily.

A sterilising fog machine is used weekly or more often if required due to a positive case is reported or an escalation of reported covid-19 symptoms

Children are not be permitted to bring items from home into the setting

unless essential for their wellbeing. Where this is the case items should

be appropriately cleaned upon arrival.

Ensure good ventilation and maximizing this wherever possible, for

example, opening windows, where safe to do so (bearing in mind

safeguarding in particular). Advice on this can be found in Health and

Safety Executive guidance on air conditioning and ventilation during the

coronavirus outbreak.

Promoting good hygiene practices

Staff Children Parents Visitors Maintenance workers

UK Government guidance being followed.

All children and staff must wash their hands upon arrival at the nursery and regularly during the day.

Regular updates and guidance being issued to parents and carers.

Temperatures are checked of children and staff on arrival at the setting . Parents do not enter classrooms.

2 4 8 All staff and landlords

https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/UKHOUNSLOW/2020/05/14/file_attachments/1451026/permission%20to%20take%20staff%20members%20temperatures%20.docx

Ensuring good respiratory hygiene - promote the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach.

Staff and children are required to stay at home if they are unwell with a new, continuous cough, a high temperature or loss of smell and taste to avoid spreading infection to others.

If staff, young people or children become unwell on site with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature they will be sent home.

We supervise young children to ensure they wash their hands for 20 seconds, more often than usual, with soap and water or hand sanitiser and catch coughs and sneezes in tissues.

Posters on general hand hygiene used to emphasis its importance are displayed in the settings.

Cups and plates are sterilized weekly.

Children and young people do not attend if they or a member of their household has symptoms of coronavirus for 10 days.

The nursery understands and supports good oral care and encourages parents and children to take care of their teeth by using posters, discussions and activities for children within the setting.

Protecting employees

Our workplace is Covid-19 secure. We follow the guidance from HSE. Clinically vulnerable staff are advised to work from home if they can. If

clinically vulnerable staff decide to shield at home Giggles day Nursery will fully support their decision and advised what financial support, they may be entitled too. While in settings they should follow the sector specific measures in this guidance to minimize the risks of transmission. This provides that ideally, adults should maintain a 2 metre distance from others. Where this is not possible avoid close face to face contact and minimize time spent within 1 metre of others.

Pregnant women are in the ‘clinically vulnerable’ category. They are generally advised to follow the government advice. Employers should conduct a risk assessment for pregnant women in line with the Management of Health and Safety at Work (MHSW) Regulations 1999.

https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/2020-03/V4%20Coronavirus%20advice%20for%20schools%20poster%20020302%20EDU15.0.4%20%282%29.pdf

Suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in the setting

Staff Children Visitor

If Giggles Day Nursery has a suspected case – child or staff member. 1. We email the Early Years Advisory Team earlyyearsadvisory@hounslow.gov.uk and Public Health publichealth@hounslow.gov.uk stating that you have a suspected case. We include the initials of the child/staff member.

If we have one or more confirmed cases in a child or staff member of COVID-19 (test results positive)

1. Contact the Early Years Advisory Team to report the case and have support in gathering all of the information to complete the attached form.

2. Email the completed form to Hounslow Public Health Team publichealth@hounslow.gov.uk and earlyyearsadvisory@hounslow.gov.uk

3. Call DfE helpline on 0800 046 8687 and select the option for reporting a positive case.

4. Inform OFSTED, RIDDOR and your Landlord or owner of your building.

Giggles management refer to the following guidance:

What to do if a child is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)

UPDATED Confirmed Coronavirus cases record

We require parents, carers and staff to inform them immediately of the results of the test:

1. if someone begins to self-isolate because they have symptoms similar to coronavirus (COVID-19) and they get a test which delivers a negative result. If feel well and no longer have symptoms similar to coronavirus (COVID-19), they can stop self-isolating.

2. if someone tests positive, they should follow COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection.

2 5 10 All staff

mailto:earlyyearsadvisory@hounslow.gov.ukmailto:publichealth@hounslow.gov.ukmailto:publichealth@hounslow.gov.ukmailto:earlyyearsadvisory@hounslow.gov.ukhttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/915589/Symptomtic_children_action_list_EARLY_YEARS.pdfhttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/915589/Symptomtic_children_action_list_EARLY_YEARS.pdfhttps://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcontent.govdelivery.com%2Fattachments%2FUKHOUNSLOW%2F2020%2F09%2F18%2Ffile_attachments%2F1549465%2FUPDATED%2520Confirmed%2520Coronavirus%2520cases%2520record.docx&data=02|01|jen.rowe%40hounslow.gov.uk|d77cf809a7994ae500b408d85bb29609|5b62666662464c9bacc7716a5a94bd03|0|0|637360170302982554&sdata=Njj%2Fm83sjtXDH2Ynop56F1oFpNUcJ%2BHq%2BdvAjIRt4NY%3D&reserved=0https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidancehttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance

They must continue to self-isolate for at least 10 days from the onset of their symptoms and then return to the setting only if they do not have symptoms other than cough or loss of sense of smell or taste. If they still have a high temperature, they should keep self-isolating until their temperature returns to normal. Other members of their household should continue self-isolating for the full 10 days

If a child/staff member is present in the setting during the time of infection of covid-19 the nursery will carry-out an on-site risk assessment and take advise from Public Health England. Those persons who had been in contact with the infected person would be required to get a test and self-isolate. This may result in the whole setting beings closed on advise from PHE & Dfe.

If the nursery was forced to close due to NHS advise/procedures no fees would be charged the allocated time.

staff procedures when dealing with a suspected case whilst at the setting

Person / child showing signs of covid-19 will be sent home immediately and advised to follow NHS guidelines or contact 111 for advice.

If a child or staff member is awaiting collection they will be moved to a separate area, if possible to a room where they can be isolated behind a closed door. Ideally, a window should be opened for ventilation. If it is not possible to isolate them, we will move them to an area which is at least 2 metres away from other people.

The staff member looking after the child will wear PPE equipment if they are unable to distance themselves by 2 metres.

If they need to use the bathroom whilst waiting to be collected, they will use a separate bathroom. The bathroom will be cleaned and disinfected using standard cleaning products before being used by anyone else.

Staff who have had contact with the symptomatic employee or child will be made aware of the symptoms and advised to follow NHS online guidance.

Children will be removed to a different area within the setting and all areas, toys and equipment will be thoroughly cleaned. Staff who

are cleaning will wear appropriate PPE whilst cleaning and the room will be well ventilated.

Parents / carers Staff Children Parents Visitors

We Staggered drop-off and collection times to aid in social distancing where possible.

Only parents who are symptom free and or have completed the required isolation periods will be able to drop off or collect their child.

Parents to drop off their children at the entrance of the building using our one-way system. Parents and visitor are required to wear a face mask when at the nursery doors unless they are exempt from doing so.

Share government information with parents and careers on the wider opening of nurseries, transport, attendance and remote education- DfE guidance.

We communicate this Risk Assessment with parents on our nursery web page WWW,gigglesdaynurseryltd.

We have a guidance from PHE outlines how parents and carers are able to enter a setting to help their children adapt to their new environment. Giggles Day Nursery ensure that parents and carers:-

suspended due to tier 4 restrictions and safety – review March 2021

1. wear face coverings, if required, in line with arrangements for staff and other visitors to the setting (see section 3 on face coverings)

2. stay for a limited amount of time (ideally not more than an hour)

2 4 8 All staff

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carershttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers

3. avoid close contact with other children and staff. 4. are aware of the ‘system of controls’, how this impacts them, and

their responsibilities in supporting it when visiting a setting with their child (Settles, ISP meetings or meetings with staff members)

We explain your expectations, verbally or in writing, to parents and carers before or on arrival at a setting with clear written settling in procedures.

Visitors, prospective parents, contractors and other site users

Staff Children Parents Visitors Maintenance workers

There will be occasions when visits to the setting are necessary, but settings are encouraged to avoid visitors entering their premises, wherever possible. A record is kept of all visitors which follows the guidance on maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace.

Show arounds and parents attending settles suspended due to tier 4 restrictions and safety – review March 2021

Virtual tours of the nursery offered to prospective parents. If parents and carers are keen to visit in person, our settings consider: 1. ensuring face coverings are worn if required in line with

arrangements for staff and other visitors to the setting (see section 3 on face coverings)

2. there is regular handwashing, especially before and after the visit

3 4 12 All staff

Prior to a visit or entry into the setting, we ensure that parents and carers are aware: of the ‘system of controls’

1. how this impacts them and their responsibilities during their visit 2. how to maintain social distancing from staff, other visitors, and

children other than those in their care

Deliveries are left at front door.

Information posters are present at entrances.

Only necessary maintenance carried out by external contractors, e.g. yearly gas service or emergencies.

Best practice hygiene requirements are being followed. Frequently touched areas cleaned at the start and end of every day.

All nursery events cancelled until further notice.

Other site users no longer entering the building, unless people are employed by the landlord during nursery hours. these people are not allowed access to the children’s rooms.

The setting ensures there is an adequate supply of essential supplies and contingency plans are in place to minimize the impact of any shortages of supplies.

Staff, Committee meetings and Workplace gatherings

Staff Children Parents Visitors

UK Government guidance being followed.

Social distancing has been implemented.

Meetings and training sessions will be conducted when children are not present and using virtual conferencing or social distancing.

All staff to receive appropriate training in infection control and the standard operating procedure and Risk Assessments within which they will be operating.

Social distancing of 2 meters for remaining staff where practicable.

2 4 8 All staff

No hand shacking etc.

Communal areas Staff Children Parents Visitors Maintenance workers

Encourage staff to take their lunch breaks outside (weather permitting) or in a quiet room and ensure a distance of 2 metres where possible.

Regular cleaning of surfaces in communal areas.

The use of communal internal spaces should be restricted as much as possible.

2 5 10 All staff

Visiting other sites or home visits for new starters.

Staff Children

All visits to other sites such as training courses avoided unless essential for example First Aid Training.

All home-visits avoided

Procedures for new starters to be adapted. Carried out by phone or other suitable remote means. Parents supporting settles of new children have a copy of our settling in procedure during covid-19 (No parental attendance during settles)

Covid-19 agreement to be completed by new parents in line with government guidance.

2 5 10 All staff

Self-isolation and wellbeing

Staff Children Parents

The Setting understand and supports the NHS Test and Trace process.

All staff members and parents/carers understand that they will need to be ready and willing to-

2 4 8 All staff

1. book a test if they are displaying symptoms. Staff and children must not come into the setting if they have symptoms and must be sent home to self-isolate if they develop them in the setting

2. self-isolate if they have been in close contact with someone who tests positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms.

Managers to ensure that any employees required to work from home have the necessary equipment to do their jobs safely.

The nursery Manager keeps in regular contact with home workers and employees / children who are self-isolating.

Children are supported in age-appropriate ways to understand the steps they can take to keep themselves safe.

All staff complete Health declaration and Return to work form Staff complete regular Staff questionnaire. Staff to complete Wellbeing questionnaires. Giggles Day Nursery shares guidance with parents / carers on supporting

children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Staff are identifying and supporting vulnerable children and parents and carers that return to the setting. For example, by signposting them to appropriate local services such as mental health, domestic abuse or substance abuse services.

Travel Staff Children Parents Visitors Maintenance workers

Information on using private and public transport can be found in

the safer travel guidance for passengers.

The setting does consider how we can work with parents and carers to agree how best to manage any necessary journeys, for example, pick-ups and drop-offs at schools, to reduce the need for a provider to travel with groups of children. Walking is preferable.

Staff and parents should travel to the setting alone using their own transport were possible or walking.

Information on using private and public transport can be found in

the safer travel guidance for passengers.

3 4 12 All staff

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-testedhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infectionhttps://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/UKHOUNSLOW/2020/05/15/file_attachments/1451996/Health%20declaration.docxhttps://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/UKHOUNSLOW/2020/05/15/file_attachments/1452000/Return%20to%20work%20form.docxhttps://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/UKHOUNSLOW/2020/05/15/file_attachments/1452001/Staff%20questionnaire.docxhttps://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/UKHOUNSLOW/2020/05/15/file_attachments/1452094/Wellbeing.docxhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-parents-and-carers-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreakhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-parents-and-carers-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreakhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-parents-and-carers-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreakhttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengershttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers

If public transport is necessary current GOV guidelines need to be followed.

Change of outdoor clothing when first entering the building

No bikes, buggies or scooters to be brought inside the building

Legionnaires’

Disease

There is an increased

risk of Legionnaire’s

Disease from hot and

cold-water systems

being unused. The risk

is low within small

buildings.

Water was run weekly, and toilets flushed during lockdown-

suspended as the nursery is in operation

2 4 8 Management

Risk rating

Severity Risk Ranking

Likelihood 1 2 3 4 5 1 - 5 Low risk - acceptable, monitor

1 1 2 3 4 5

2 2 4 6 8 10

6 - 15

Medium risk - acceptable, subject to guidance 3 3 6 9 12 15

4 4 8 12 16 20

16 - 25

High risk - unacceptable, activity must not proceed 5 5 10 15 20 25

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Legionnaires-disease/https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Legionnaires-disease/

Likelihood Description

1. Very unlikely The event may occur only in exceptional circumstances

2. Unlikely The event could occur at some time

3. Moderate The event will occur at some time

4. Likely The event could occur in most circumstances

5. Very likely The event will occur in most circumstances

Severity

1. Negligible

2. Minor

3. Serious

4. Major

5. Fatalities