Early Years settings, childminder and out of schools; September 2020 recovery checklist

The priority is to maintain the health, safety and wellbeing of children, young people and staff. Supporting vulnerable children and encouraging their attendance at school and maintaining provision for children of key workers is paramount alongside planning to best meet the needs of other cohorts of children. Plans are made in accordance with the DfE non-statutory guidance whilst taking account of the context of the school/setting. Arrangements are consistently under review and plans will be adapted in response to changing needs.

You may find the following links to Government and DfE guidance useful:

Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreak

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures?fbclid=IwAR0WbFZLRLTmeGakAGPM2yoYA80wvOfEk33LvMiUE-sLuTakNb0vwG3n4yc

Guidance on opening Out of School/holiday clubs/after school provision. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protective-measures-for-holiday-or-after-school-clubs-and-other-out-of-school-settings-for-children-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak?utm_source=4b581021-d798-4565-8fa0-579175be88cb&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

Protective measures for holiday or after-school clubs and other out-of-school settings for children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protective-measures-for-holiday-or-after-school-clubs-and-other-out-of-school-settings-for-children-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak

Guidance for parents and carers of children attending out-of-school settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-parents-and-carers-of-children-attending-out-of-school-settings-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak

Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak?utm_source=572d62e4-ce85-4056-8338-e87b1cbaf0c5&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

Planning guide for early years and childcare settings https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/preparing-for-the-wider-opening-of-early-years-and-childcare-settings-from-1-june/planning-guide-for-early-years-and-childcare-settings

What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak

EYFS framework under Covid 19 interim guidance.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2/early-years-foundation-stage-coronavirus-disapplications

Other useful information for settings including posters that can be displayed in settings: Early Years Alliance FAQ linkhttps://www.eyalliance.org.uk/nurseries-childminders-reopen-coronavirus-lockdown?fbclid=IwAR3bmbap98lmCd4Ie5ZzQNKUxKMKnKOmV0r23Lnc3ARLFlYWFb9ptz7MD1U

5 Steps to safer working together - Posterhttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5eb966c8d3bf7f5d3e24afb7/staying-covid-19-secure.pdf

Education Guidance posterhttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/876220/COVID19_Guidance_Education.pdf

Out of School Alliance has current guidance on wraparound provision and after school clubs – use the following link for the most up to date informationhttps://www.outofschoolalliance.co.uk/coronavirus-update

Please use this in conjunction with the Covid19 risk assessment produced by GCC. The risk assessment is in Word format, so you can make it setting specific. Note that some specific differences have been included for EY providers.

Areas for consideration Yes/No What else do you need to knowUse this to add where you can get information or if you need more support from LA or other agencies

Are you planning to open fully from 1 September 2020? Yes/No

If you are not planning to reopen fully, please advise your locality lead.

DfE have made it clear that they expect providers to work with Local Authorities (LA) to ensure there is sufficient childcare for those families that want it;  and that the LA is now able to redistribute EY  entitlement funding, where this is needed to ensure that there are sufficient places for all that need this.

If you are registered with Ofsted make sure you notify Ofsted that you are opening fully – this includes if you are re-commencing wrap around care for children.

Have you checked specific guidance for ensuring the premises you operate from can open and cleaning the building that your setting operates from?Below are some useful links for childcare settings including those that operate OOSC, and wrap around care.

Cleaning in non healthcare settingshttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings

COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship during the pandemichttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-during-the-pandemic-from-4-july/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-places-of-worship-during-the-pandemic-from-4-july

Guidance for providers of outdoor facilities on the phased return of sport and recreation in Englandhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation/guidance-for-providers-of-outdoor-facilities-on-the-phased-return-of-sport-and-recreation

Closing certain businesses and venues in Englandhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance

Risk assessmentsReview the Covid-19 risk assessment – NB remember the need for ‘bubbles’ is no longer required in EY settings. Please review current guidance:

Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreakhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures?fbclid=IwAR0WbFZLRLTmeGakAGPM2yoYA80wvOfEk33LvMiUE-sLuTakNb0vwG3n4yc

Use the points below to review arrangements -Have you made sure that staff and children understand how to wash their hands with water and liquid soap when possible, or otherwise hand sanitiser.

Have you made sure everyone knows when to do hand washing, what good cough etiquette is, that there is a need to avoid close contact and other hygiene recommendations

Have you made sure you have good hand washing routines among staff and children. How will this be communicated to staff, parents and children?

Have you the current information and/or posters on infectious measures from the Government, DfE , Ofsted and setting specific guidance and displayed them in important places, such

as at the entrance and other relevant places where children, parents and staff will be.

Do you know what to look for and how to deal with staff and children with symptoms that could be COVID-19Action cards for settings and the PHE process

How have you made staff and parents aware of the stricter requirements for dealing with illness during this time? Remember for settings registered with Ofsted you must Ofsted if you have a positive Covid-19 case.

Children ,staff and parents

Areas for consideration Yes/No What else do you need to knowHave you identified the likely numbers of children returning and staff required.Consider the following points

Government guidance is to keep to EYFS ratios Have you thought about settling in procedures and

how you can minimise contacts

NB remember only children who are symptom free or have completed the require isolation period should attend the setting. Anyone who has received a shielding letter should be at home including the children.

Organising children Can you organise children in ways that minimise

transmissionThe need to keep children in bubbles ahs been relaxed, however setting should seek to minimise contacts as much as possible. This may mean that measures such as not having visitors, or parents in the building need to be maintained.

If you offer wrap around care or before and after school care you should liaise with the schools to make sure you are helping them to minimise the possibility of transmission.

Check as schools may be keeping children in class or year groups – can you work with them to help support their risk assessment measures.Do you need to alter hours, session times and days children attend?

Have you communicated this to parents including expectations about attendance?

Have you given parents guidance on how they can drop off/collect children and social distancing measures they need to follow

Are you maintaining a social distancing queue system or staggered start times?

If you offer wrap around care have you given enough time to thoroughly clean the resources, equipment and play spaces before other children

arrive Can you have separate spaces or rooms for your

before/out of school care?Use the following guidance to help if your out of school care is re-opening Guidance on opening Out of School/holiday clubs/after school provision.https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protective-measures-for-holiday-or-after-school-clubs-and-other-out-of-school-settings-for-children-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak?utm_source=4b581021-d798-4565-8fa0-579175be88cb&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

NB Ofsted need to be informed about changes – so if you are opening up your before an after school care and have different hours you must notify Ofsted about this and any subsequent changes.Children SEND/ EHCP/ Child Protection

Have you reviewed support plans or child protection plans for vulnerable children and know what if any adjustments need to be made. Do you need further help with this? Make sure you have checked the current safeguarding and SEND support guidance, so you can update policies if you need to.

All children, staff and parents Have you thought about your behaviour policy How are you going to support children to

understand the social distancing measures you have put in place

Do you need to change routines – drop off/collection, handovers

Continue to report your daily numbers back to the LA – this supports the overall national understanding of children attending provision

Staff (teachers, support staff and non-teaching staff) Areas for consideration Yes/No What else do you need to knowDecide content and timing of staff communication(s) including if bringing staff in in advance of children returning is necessary.

If doing this how will you manage and arrange this to comply with social distancing measures

Do staff need any further support or training? Have you assessed staff and considered how to support

their mental health and wellbeing?

Childminders need to think about assistants and how they will manage social distancingWhat are the options if necessary staffing levels can’t be maintained

In settings do you have a L3 qualified manager/deputy or senior staff member who can be in control

Do you have enough staff to maintain ratios – refer to EYFS framework under Covid 19 interim guidance.https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2/early-years-foundation-stage-coronavirus-disapplications

Do you have enough staff with full Paediatric First Aid qualifications and especially for those working with children under 2

Childminders must have Paediatric First Aid in place or be within the 3 month extension for certificates that expired on or after 16 March 2020.

NB The relaxation on Paediatric First Aid qualifications is only up to 30 September 2020, so make sure staff needing re-qualification are booked onto suitable courses.Have you identified staff who may still not be able to return to the setting

Staff with possible symptoms Staff who have tested positive and are self-isolating

Review current guidance supporting staff with increased risk factors (3.2) available in Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreakhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures?fbclid=IwAR0WbFZLRLTmeGakAGPM2yoYA80wvOfEk33LvMiUE-sLuTakNb0vwG3n4ycNB remember only staff who are symptom free or have completed the require isolation period should attend the setting. Anyone who has received a shielding letter should be at home including the children.

Can you put in place flexible working arrangements to support any changes to your usual patterns

staggered start/end times sessions rather than full day do these need to be coordinated with others e.g. if on

school siteDo staff know and have agreed with workload expectations (including for managers).Do staff need more training (either delivered remotely or in setting) to implement any changes.

Policy changes Risk management Curriculum Behaviour Safeguarding Staff wellbeing including managers

Premises ,resources and cleaning

Areas for consideration Yes/No What else do you need to knowHave all areas of the setting been cleaned and disinfected(Do they have access to cleaning/disinfecting products)

Have you made sure you have a good supply of cleaning and disinfecting products for when you do open

follow the COVID-19: cleaning of non-healthcare settings guidance

have you put in place an enhanced cleaning that includes furniture, surfaces and children’s toys , bedding and equipment – ensure you discuss this with your contractor (if appropriate)

have you ensures that toilets, bathrooms and nappy changing areas –potties, changing mats, storage units for nappies, clothes and wipes are cleaned and disinfected

can you ensure that communal area, touch points and hand washing facilities must be cleaned and sanitised regularly

do not forget tablets and computers or electronic toys. Include mobile phones, telephones and walkie talkies if used in the setting.

In shared buildings or community centres have you checked that this has been done

If centre cannot or will not do this what alternatives have you put in place

Childminders Do you have separate bathrooms that can be used

just for minded children – make sure household members do not use this even when not minding.

Guidance on opening Out of School/holiday

clubs/after school provision.https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protective-measures-for-holiday-or-after-school-clubs-and-other-out-of-school-settings-for-children-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak?utm_source=4b581021-d798-4565-8fa0-579175be88cb&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediateCleaning in non healthcare settingshttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings

Supplies Do you have an adequate supply of essential

supplies and contingency plans in place to minimise the impact of any shortages of supplies. The setting will not be able to operate without essential supplies required for ensuring infection control

What monitoring systems are in place for the usage and replacement of PPE.

Where you provide food do you have procedures in place to ensure the appropriate food alternatives are sourced and normal food safety and hygiene processes are followed.

Have you thought about lunch boxes and how you will make sure these have been cleaned to minimise the possibility of transmission.

NB Government guidance is that PPE is not

required for general use in early years settings to protect against COVID- 19 transmission. PPE should continue to be worn as normal for nappy changing and the administration of first aidWearing a face covering or face mask in schools or other education settings is not recommended

However have regard for the guidance if you suspect a child may have contracted covid19 and take the precautionary steps.

Please see EY Briefing notes for when and what PPE to use.Coronavirus (COVID-19): implementing protective measures in education and childcare settingshttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settingsOrganising the spacesIndoors:

Are tables and chairs arranged to ensure social distancing can be reasonably maintained at all times including meals and snack times

can you use different rooms, areas for specific groups of children so they can stay as much as possible in the same space/room and not play with children in other rooms/spaces – this includes the staff working with them

sleep rooms – can you reduce or space out the cots and beds – (you may have to have fewer children in or not take children in who need to sleep initially)

have you looked at making sure hand washing/sanitisers are available in rooms and not just bathrooms to ensure good hand washing can be maintained

Care routines including provision of meals, nappy changing and toileting should be within the space/room allocated to each group wherever possible. If not can you take a group at a time and then clean the space/room before the next group uses it.

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

Using the bathroom/toilets consider how children and staff will access these – one group at a time and then clean after use, getting there – is it down a corridor think about one way systems

Social distancing must be maintained during staff breaks. Can you stagger breaks or divide spaces allocated to team breaks where possible

Consider having team meetings outdoors -, via video or telephone or at social distance measures of 2m apart

Outdoors: Spaces should be used by different ‘groups’ at

different times of the day and cleaned in between groups.

If you have a large area or different space such as a Forest school, field and playground can you safely rotate the children between these areas

Can you make sure that children from different groups do not play with the same resources or equipment without cleaning them in between

Are there hand washing/sanitising stations available outdoors

Can children have sole use of all-in-one waterproofs and can you make sure these are washed/disinfected after use

Resources and equipment can you make sure children do not bring items

from home into the setting unless absolutely essential for their wellbeing. (no soft toys or blankets if possible). Where this is the case have you got appropriate measures in place to clean them upon arrival and store them away from setting resources

have you got systems in place to regularly wash and/or sterilise all resources required for play and learning experiences of children throughout the day and in between different groups of children using them

have you reviewed the resources and equipment and removed soft furnishings, soft toys and toys that are hard to clean (such as those with intricate parts)

have you considered how to use shared items – books, laptops, practical equipment, making sure they can be cleaned in between different children/staff using them

in all settings, including pack away ones could you have boxes for resources that can be rotated and cleaned daily?

Have you looked at equipment used by staff such as stationary, tablets etc. and considered allocating it to individual staff members where possible and cleaned regularly

Watch for possible contamination issues – babies or children putting items in their mouths etc – and make sure these are dealt with immediatelyHygieneNB Regarding hand sanitiser, washing hands with soap and water is always preferable as more effective and cheaper/easier to procure. Use hand sanitiser in areas where access to soap and water is not as easy such as entrances to buildings and outdoor play spaces.

Hand hygiene Anyone arriving at the setting should wash hands

as soon as they enter the setting Coming in from outdoors After sneezing, coughing After using the toilet

Before and after eating Have hand sanitizers available if needed

Do you have appropriate waste disposal All waste must be disposed of in a hygienic and

safe manner Tissues must be immediately disposed of and the

bin emptied frequently throughout the day

Do you have adequate ventilation – especially in sleep rooms which are often in the middle of buildings?

Do you have a plan for setting response should someone fall ill on site - look at the points below to help you.

A child developing suspected coronavirus symptoms whilst attending the setting, they should be collected as soon as possible and isolate at home in line with the NHS guidance.

Whilst waiting for the child to be collected they should be isolated from others in a previously identified room or area. If possible, a window should be opened for ventilation

The staff member responsible for the child during this time should be a staff member from their group. The provider may consider suitable PPE for this staff member.

The area should be thoroughly cleaned, immediately if the area cannot be left unvisited, and if the area can be left unvisited then cleaned after 72 hours

The person responsible for cleaning the area should wear appropriate PPE

In the event of a staff member developing suspected coronavirus symptoms whilst working at the nursery, they should return home immediately and isolate at home in line with the NHS guidance

Coronavirus (COVID-19): implementing protective measures in education and childcare settingshttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings

Guidance on opening Out of School/holiday clubs/after school provision.https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protective-measures-for-holiday-or-after-school-clubs-and-other-out-of-school-settings-for-children-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak?utm_source=4b581021-d798-4565-8fa0-579175be88cb&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

Drop off and collection

Areas for consideration Yes/No What else do you need to knowCan you make sure that parents dropping off or collecting children do not gather at entrances

Consider staggering entry and exit time If on school site or shared building can you

coordinate times with these settings e.g. siblings being dropped off at the same time

Check arrangements with schools as most are saying that only one parent can drop off or collect children

Make sure parents know arrangements such as times to drop off/collect; and that the cannot come into the building

Handovers – can these be done online or through texts/phone rather than face to face

Where you do need to meet with parents can this be done outdoors or in a safe place away from others or at a different time

Can you mark out waiting spaces 2m apart for parents if you cannot stagger entry times (use markers on the ground to show parents where to wait)

Is it possible to have a one way system – e.g. on school site can you use the school entry rather than your own to limit movement around the site

If you are having staggered drop off/collection times make sure parents, staff , and others know arrangements including what to do if they are

delayed.

If you are a childminder and have to drop your own children to school make sure you know what their arrangements are. Schools are saying only one parent to do this. You may need to consider what you do with minded children in order to minimise the possibility of transmission.

Wellbeing and learning and developmentAreas for consideration Yes/No What else do you need to knowHave you thought about how you will help children to understand

the steps they can take to keep themselves safe including regular hand washing and sneezing into a tissue

the changes and challenges they may be encountering as a result of Covid-19

Staff need to ensure they are aware of children’s attachments and their need for emotional support at this time.

EYFS framework under Covid 19 interim guidance.https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2/early-years-foundation-stage-coronavirus-disapplications

guidance still applies which has changes to the learning

and development outcomes, however, as much as possible it is important for children still to be learning.Have you

Decided as a staff team what learning and development opportunities you want to provide and offer to children as they begin to return to the setting.

Planned how you will continue to maintain contact if families choose for their children not to return initially or children are not able to return due to capacity in provision

Can more activities be done outdoors (weather permitting)Have you thought about group times – minimise whole setting circle, story times and do these instead in small groups or key groups.

TravelAreas for consideration Yes/No What else do you need to knowCan staff and parents travel to the nursery alone, using their own transport or walkingSee drop off and collection aboveIf public transport is necessary, have you made staff and parents aware of current guidance on the use of public transport

Remember to follow hand hygiene when anyone enters the setting

Can you make sure where possible that parents do not leave travel accessories including buggies, car seats,

scooters in the setting premises, but take them home or if they cannot do this they leave them external buggy areas if necessary.

Outings from the setting/ childminder’s homeCan you limit trips into the local community where possible?If you have limited or no outdoor space do you have risk assessments in place that take into account current guidance on social distancing