COVID-19 Operational Toolkit - Coronavirus Policy
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COVID-19
Operational Toolkit
Coronavirus
Policy
Early Years and Childcare Providers in Coventry
Policy considerations to help childcare provision maintain coronavirus (COVID-19)
secure environments.
Coventry Early Years’ Service have developed a range of supporting materials for providers to
help consider those relevant adaptions to practice and procedures in response to coronavirus
(COVID-19).
This document provides a framework for developing a policy; please note providers will need to
amend this to reflect individual practice, including that of childminding and nursery provision.
This is not an exhaustive list of measures.
Please note always contact your insurance company when implementing a new or revised
policy.
PVI providers must continue to take swift action when they become aware of a confirmed case
of coronavirus (COVID-19) in their provision. PVI providers should follow the advice detailed in
the Coronavirus Action Card for Early Years (and PVI Out of School Provision) which includes
information about who to contact.
Please continue to keep the Early Years Team informed in respect of any/all suspected cases.
The team will guide you through any actions that may need to be taken as a result.
This policy advice has been developed in response to the most recent Government advice listed
below and will continuously be reviewed in line with further Government updates.
As the country has moved into Step 4 of the roadmap, the government will continue to manage
the risk of serious illness from the spread of the virus. This marks a new phase in the
government’s response to the pandemic, moving away from stringent restrictions on everyone’s
day-to-day lives, towards advising people on how to protect themselves and others, alongside
targeted interventions to reduce risk.
Central government may offer local areas of particular concern an enhanced response package
to help limit increases in transmission. The government will review its approach for enhanced
response in local areas before Step 4.
1. Stay at home: guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19)
infection
2. Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus
outbreak
3. Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care settings,
including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
4. Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19)
infection who do not live with the person
BG LR SC Coventry Early Years’ Service updated 01.10.20215. COVID-19: cleaning in non-healthcare settings
6. COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE)
7. Guidance on NHS test and trace: how it works
8. COVID-19: guidance for supervised tooth brushing programmes in early
years and school settings
9. Critical workers who can access schools or educational settings
10. Protective measures for holiday or after school clubs and other settings
11. Public Health England legislation underpinning national restrictions
Considerations may include:
1. Context / background information:
Updated guidance 27th September 2021
Early years registered nurseries, pre-schools, childminders, maintained nursery schools,
nursery classes in schools, and other pre-reception provision on school sites should
remain open to allow all children to attend full time or their usual hours.
Contingency framework
Providers should continue to operate as normally as possible. In the event that restrictions in
early years settings are needed to help contain the spread of the virus; you may be
asked to revise your delivery models for a short period of time. To help with this, we have
published a contingency framework, which outlines how early years settings should
operate in the event of any restrictions.
Any decision that there should be local restrictions in any childcare or education settings
will be made by central government on a case-by-case basis.
2. Purpose
▪ Promote safeguarding and child protection, demonstrate the provider’s intentions and
commitment to keeping children safe, whilst operating under measures related to
COVID-19.
▪ Provide parents with clear information relating to the providers safeguarding and well-
being procedures, updates to daily practice, children’s routines, and reporting procedures
during the COVID-19 outbreak.
▪ Provide all staff with the required information to meet children’s safeguarding and well-
being needs during this time.
▪ To ensure children, staff and families are kept as safe as possible during this outbreak of
coronavirus (COIVD-19).
▪ To support staff well-being and monitor workloads.
▪ The measures outlined in this policy will support a reduction in the rate of infection and
mostly, to protect lives.
3. Signs and Symptoms
For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild infection.
The main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of any of the following:
▪ a new, continuous cough
▪ a high temperature (over 37.8 degrees)
▪ a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
Please note other symptoms may include:
▪ fatigue and lethargy
BG LR SC Coventry Early Years’ Service updated 01.10.2021▪ shortness of breath
▪ headache
▪ sore throat
▪ aching muscles
▪ diarrhoea and vomiting
Children are likely to become infected with coronavirus (COVID-19) at roughly the same rate as
adults, but the infection is usually mild.
Providers must ensure that children, staff and other adults do not come into the provision if they
have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have tested positive in the last 10 days, (whether
this was a Lateral Flow Device or Polymerase Chain Reaction test and anyone developing
these symptoms during the day is sent home. These are essential actions to reduce risk and
further drive down transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19). All providers must follow this
process and ensure all staff are aware of it.
If anyone has any of the symptoms above, they should self-isolate at home
(whether this was a Lateral Flow Device or Polymerase Chain Reaction test)
Public Health England (PHE) has good evidence that routinely taking the temperature of
children is not recommended as this is an unreliable method for identifying coronavirus
(COVID-19).
3.1 Tests for COVID-19
Two types of test are currently being used to detect if someone has COVID-19:
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests
• Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests
PCR tests detect the RNA (ribonucleic acid, the genetic material) of a virus. PCR tests are the
most reliable COVID-19 tests. It takes some time to get the results because they are usually
processed in a laboratory. LFD tests detect proteins in the coronavirus and work in a similar
way to a pregnancy test. They are simple and quick to use. LFD tests are not as accurate as
PCR tests and are mainly used in people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19. Anyone
who has a positive LFD test should have a PCR test to confirm the result within 48 hours.
If the PCR is not taken in this time frame, the individual must continue to isolate for the full 10
days.
Lateral Flow Testing sites in Coventry and opening hours
Early years staff in school-based nurseries, maintained nursery schools and private,
voluntary and independent nursery settings are part of the asymptomatic testing
programme offering home lateral flow device (LFD) test kits for twice weekly testing.
All childminders can access asymptomatic twice-weekly testing by either:
▪ attending a test site to get tested where they will be able to see how to take the
test or pick up tests to do at home.
▪ collecting tests to do at home find-covid-19-rapid-test-sites maps test-and-trace
▪ order a test kit online - more information can be found in order-coronavirus-rapidlateral-
flow-tests
This testing offer is also extended to anyone who works in an occupation related to an
early years childcare provider and their household, childcare and support bubbles. In
addition, the households, childcare and support bubbles of early years children are also
able to access twice-weekly asymptomatic testing.
LFD tests are for asymptomatic screening purposes and should not be used for anybody
symptomatic or identified as a close contact.
LR SC Coventry Early Years’ Service updated 17.08.20214. What to do if a child is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) whilst at the
provision?
If anyone in your provision develops a new, continuous cough or a high temperature, or has a
loss of, or change in, their normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia), or any of the additional
symptoms they must be sent home and be advised to follow the guidance for households with
possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
This sets out that they must:
▪ self-isolate for at least 10 days. (The isolation period includes the day the
symptoms started and the next 10 full days)
▪ arrange to have a test through the online portal
Note: if person is unwilling to have a test, they must still self-isolate for 10 days.
Action list
1. In an emergency, call 999 if they are seriously ill or injured or their life is at risk. Do
not visit the GP, pharmacy, urgent care centre or a hospital except in an emergency.
2. Call parents/legal guardian to collect child and take them home. Advise them that all
household members will need to isolate and refer them to the guidance for
households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection
3. While the child is awaiting collection, move them to an isolated room and open a
window for ventilation. If it is not possible to isolate them, move them to an area
which is at least 2 metres away from other people.
4. If a symptom is a high temperature, fever reduction medicine (i.e. paracetamol) can be
administered with permission and in line with the provider’s medication policy. This may
help reduce the temperature and the risk of the temperature escalating higher whilst
waiting for collection. The child MUST still go home, regardless of any reason given by
the parent as to why the child has a temperature.
5. Since it’s unlikely that staff caring for a young child while they are awaiting collection
will be able to maintain a 2 metre distance, they should wear suitable PPE1:
Situation PPE
2m distance cannot be maintained A face mask should be worn
Contact is necessary Gloves, an apron and a face mask should
be worn
Risks of fluids entering the eye (e.g. from Eye protection should also be worn
coughing, spitting and vomiting)
1 More information on PPE use can be found in the Safe working in education, childcare and
children’s social care settings, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance.
6. If they need to go to the bathroom while waiting to be collected, they should use a
separate bathroom if possible. The bathroom should be cleaned and disinfected using
standard cleaning products before being used by anyone else.
7. Staff/other children who have had contact with the symptomatic child must wash their
hands thoroughly for 20 seconds.
8. When parents/legal guardian pick up the child, advise them to get the child tested
and notify you of the results. Tests can be booked online through the NHS website, or
ordered by telephone via NHS 119 for those without access to internet. For further
information, please read testing and tracing for coronavirus (COVID-19).
9. Once the child has left the premises, thoroughly disinfect/clean all surfaces and
touchpoints they came into contact with (including the bathroom if used).
10. Engage with the NHS Test and Trace process Providers must ensure that they
understand the NHS Test and Trace process. Providers must ensure that staff
LR SC BG Coventry Early Years’ Service updated 01.10.2021members and parents / carers understand that they will need to be ready and willing to
do so.
Please note: If a child develops at least one of the COVID-19 symptoms AND testing is
unavailable AND they have;
• recently returned from travel in last 10 days, see the Red list rules for entering
England please read for further information regarding the Red List and
quarantine rules.
then continue to follow the process for positive COVID-19 test (assumed positive)
Additional information:
▪ If someone with symptoms tests negative for coronavirus (COVID-19) they should stay at
home until they have recovered as usual from their illness. They can then safely return to
the provision. The only exception to return following a negative test result is where:
• an individual is separately identified as a close contact of a confirmed case, and
they have not had their second vaccine dose (aged over 18yrs 6 months)
They will need to self-isolate for 10 days from the date of that contact.
▪ If someone with symptoms tests positive, they should follow guidance for households
with possible coronavirus infection.
▪ The NHS COVID-19 app is a key part of the country’s ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19)
response, aiming to extend the speed, precision and reach of NHS Test and Trace. The
app is available to download for free and is available to anyone aged 16 and over to
download if they choose.
Admitting children back to the provision
The child or staff member who tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) can return to
their normal routine and stop self-isolating after they have finished their isolation period
and their symptoms have gone or if they continue to have only a residual cough or
anosmia. This is because a cough or anosmia can last for several weeks once the
infection has gone. If they still have a high temperature after 10 days or are otherwise
unwell, they are advised to stay at home and seek medical advice.
Providers should not request evidence of negative test results or other medical evidence before
admitting children or welcoming them back after a period of self-isolation.
In the vast majority of cases, providers and parents and carers will be in agreement that a child
with symptoms should not attend the provision, given the potential risk to others. In the event
that a parent or carer insists on a child attending the provision, the provider can take the
decision to refuse the child if, in their reasonable judgement, it is necessary to protect their
children and staff from possible infection with coronavirus (COVID-19). Any such decision would
need to be carefully considered in the light of all the circumstances and current public health
advice.
Where the child tests negative, they can return to their provision and their fellow household
members can end their self-isolation.
Providers must not share the names of people with coronavirus (COVID-19) unless
essential to protect others.
4.1 What will happen if a staff member develops symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)
whilst in the provision?
1. Staff will report any symptoms immediately to the management team. Safe arrangements
(avoid public transport) will be made for the staff member to go home immediately and
advised to follow the staying at home guidance
LR SC BG Coventry Early Years’ Service updated 01.10.20212. PPE should be worn by staff caring for the adult if a distance of 2 metres cannot be
maintained.
3. In an emergency, call 999 if they are seriously ill or injured or their life is at risk. Do not visit
the GP, pharmacy, urgent care centre or a hospital.
4. The staff member will need to have self-isolated for the required period and been tested,
(as an essential worker) before returning to the provision in order to ensure it is safe for
them to do so.
5. For further information, please read testing and tracing for coronavirus (COVID-19)
6. Education, childcare and children’s social care provisions, as employers, can obtain a log
in to a secure online employer referral portal, through which they can upload a full list of
names of self-isolating essential workers that need a test.
5. Suspected coronavirus (COVID-19) cases:
If a child or staff member has developed symptoms and action has been taken (as listed above)
then this would be classed as a suspected case.
In the event of a suspected case providers must notify Coventry Local Authority by contacting:
▪ Coventry Early Years Team - Covid19schools@coventry.gov.uk
6. What to do if a child or adult tests positive for coronavirus (COVID-19):
1. You must take swift action when you become aware that someone who has attended
your provision has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).
2. You must contact the teams below:
▪ Coventry’s Early Years/Schools Team - Covid19schools@coventry.gov.uk
▪ Ofsted - Report a serious childcare incident service Also notify Ofsted if the
provision has been advised to close as a result of COVID-19 cases.
3. The Health Protection Team (HPT) will work with you to carry out a rapid risk assessment
and identify appropriate next steps.
In the case of positive LFT’s, a PCR must be completed within 2 days of the positive LFT.
If a PCR is not completed within 2 days of the positive LFT, they must self-isolate for 10
days.
If the PCR is negative, end self-isolation or when well enough to do so. If positive,
continue to self0isolate for 10 full days after the of symptoms / test taken.
Self-isolate close contacts of the positive case, this includes unvaccinated and single
vaccinated adults (aged 18 years and 6 months) and any adults who have received a
second dose of the vaccine within 14 days of contact.
Public Health England (PHE) have confirmed that from 16th August 2021 NHS Test and
Trace will not be undertaking contact tracing in school/early years settings. Therefore, in
line with the position of Local Authorities across the West Midlands, the expectation is that
early years childcare providers continue to identify close contacts of positive cases
notified to them and notify the Local Authority in line with current procedure. This
will ensure that children and families at risk are notified and appropriately isolated and
recommended to test, reducing the spread of COVID-19. Close contacts under 18yrs 6
months will not need to self-isolate.
4. With HPT advice, identify close contacts of the symptomatic individual. Contact tracers will
inform contacts that they need to self-isolate for 10 days in line with guidance for
households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. The isolation
period includes the day the symptoms started and the next 10 full days.
LR SC BG Coventry Early Years’ Service updated 01.10.2021Close contact includes:
As from 16th August 2021, individuals are not required to self-isolate if they live in the
same household as someone with COVID-19, or are a close contact of a positive
COVID-19 case and any of the following apply
• they are fully vaccinated
• they are below the age of 18 years and 6 months
• they have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine
trial
• they are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons
Instead they will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace, informed they have been in
close contact with a positive case and advised to take PCR test. We would encourage
all individuals to take a PCR test if advised to do so.
Children who are aged under 5 years old who are identified as close contacts will only
be advised to take a PCR test if the positive case is in their own household. However,
PHE Coventry team are advising children who are aged under 5 years old and
attending a setting to take a PCR test if they are identified as a close contact.
5. If applicable, ensure access to remote provision for children who are isolating (due
to being positive or following GP advice) so that they can continue to learn
remotely.
6. A template letter will be provided to providers, on the advice of the health protection
team, to send to parents, carers and staff if needed.
7. Providers will fully engage with the NHS test and trace process. Additional guidance
is available within Coventry’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) toolkit: Test and Trace
documents
8. Providers must not share the names of people with coronavirus (COVID-19)
unless essential to protect others.
9. The child or adult must continue to self-isolate for at least 10 days from the day after
the onset of their symptoms and then return to the setting only if they do not have
symptoms other than a continuous cough or loss of sense of smell or taste. This is
because a cough or anosmia can last for several weeks once the infection has gone.
The isolation period commences the day after the symptoms started and the next 10
full days. If they still have a high temperature, they should continue to self-isolate until
their temperature returns to normal.
7. What will happen if there is a COVID-19 outbreak?
If there are 2 or more people in an Early Years Provision, with a plausible link, with
symptoms / positive tests, within 14 days or an overall rise in sickness absence where
coronavirus COVID- 19 is suspected, providers may have an outbreak, and must
immediately contact:
• Coventry’s Early Years/Schools Team - Covid19schools@coventry.gov.uk
LR SC BG Coventry Early Years’ Service updated 01.10.2021• Health Protection Team (Regional) (HPT) using this online form
• Ofsted - Report a serious childcare incident service Also notify Ofsted
if the provision has been advised to close as a result of COVID-19
cases.
The Health Protection Team will work with you to carry out a rapid risk assessment and identify
appropriate next steps and organise an Incident Management Meeting (IMT) if required.
If a provider is advised to close as a result of an outbreak, this should be swiftly reported to
Ofsted via this link: Report a serious childcare incident service
In the event of a staff member being diagnosed as having COVID-19 and there is reasonable
evidence that it was caused by exposure at the provision, the management team will notify
and report this to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries,
Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) Case of disease reporting form
https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/riddor/index.htm
8. Process in the event of local outbreaks
If a local area sees a spike in infection rates that results in localised community
spread, appropriate authorities will decide which measures to implement to help
contain the spread. DfE will be involved in decisions at a local and national level and
will support
appropriate authorities and individual providers to follow the health advice. More information
on this process can be found in the COVID-19 contain framework: a guide for local decision-
makers
Providers should make sure the Covid-19 Outbreak Management plans cover the possibility
that in some local areas it may become necessary to reintroduce keeping groups apart for a
temporary period
9. Prioritising early years places
If there is a need to prioritise places (for example, during an outbreak, where a nursery
is oversubscribed, or unable to operate at full capacity), you should give priority to:
▪ vulnerable children and children of critical workers
▪ then 3- and 4-year-olds, in particular those who will be transitioning to
reception followed by younger age groups
10.Childminders with a household member self-isolating
This advice applies where a childminder usually looks after children in their own home,
and where a childminder’s household member is self-isolating.
If this is:
▪ only as a result of coming into contact with a positive case
▪ the household member is not showing symptoms of coronavirus
▪ the household member does not require a test
The childminder can continue to provide childcare at their registered provision. The
childminder should ensure they keep open communication with parents and carers of children
attending the provision about the self-isolation.
The household member who is self-isolating must not have any contact with the children
being cared for in the provision. For example, the person isolating must use a separate
bathroom where possible. If the person self-isolating has to use a shared bathroom or other
communal areas, these must be thoroughly cleaned after every use.
The childminder must:
▪ comply with health and safety law, which requires a risk assessment. The risk
assessment must demonstrate that the delivery of childcare in their provision is safe
LR SC BG Coventry Early Years’ Service updated 01.10.2021and aligns with the ‘Control measures’. Further guidance on cleaning can be found in
COVID- 19: cleaning in non-healthcare settings outside the home
▪ put in place proportionate control measures. For more information on what is required
of employers in relation to health and safety risk assessments, please see annex A of
the guidance for full opening: schools
The childminder should:
▪ thoroughly review their health and safety risk assessment
▪ have active arrangements in place to monitor that the controls are effective, working as
planned, and updated appropriately (for example when any issues are identified, or
when there are changes in public health advice)
10.1 Household member self-isolating due to testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-
19) This advice applies where a childminder usually looks after children in their own home and
a member of the childminder’s household has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).
The childminder should also take the necessary action for responding to and reporting
confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the provision, as set out in ‘Control measures’
A childminder cannot care for children in their home and some household members may
need to self-isolate. Self-isolate close contacts of the positive case, this includes
unvaccinated and single vaccinated adults (aged 18yrs 6 months) and any adults who have
received a second dose within the last 14 days. Those identified must self-isolate for at least
10 days from when the symptomatic person first had symptoms and follow stay at home:
guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
10.2 When someone is sent home to self-isolate
Household members of those who are sent home (as outlined above) do not need to self-
isolate themselves, unless the child or staff member who is self-isolating subsequently
develops symptoms. They should follow guidance for households with possible coronavirus
infection.
They should get a test. Essential workers, which includes anyone involved in education
or childcare, have priority access to testing.
10.3 When someone self-isolating develops symptoms
If someone who is self-isolating because they have been identified as a close contact
with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19):
▪ starts to feel unwell and gets a test for coronavirus themselves, and the test delivers
a negative result, they must remain in isolation for the remainder of the 10-day
isolation period. This is because they could still develop coronavirus (COVID-19)
within the remaining days
▪ if the test result is positive, they should inform their provider immediately, and isolate
for at least 10 days from the onset of their symptoms (which could mean the self-
isolation ends before or after the original 10-day isolation period). Relevant household
members should self-isolate for at least 10 days from when the symptomatic person
first had symptoms, following guidance for households with possible coronavirus
infection
11. Safeguarding
Providers will continue to adhere to their Safeguarding and Child Protection policy, to
help maintain children’s safety, health and well-being. Additional guidance from
Coventry’s Safeguarding Children Partnership (CSCP) can be found here
Providers will want to consider whether any refresh or review is needed of their child protection
arrangements, policy and procedures, in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic,
including any period of intervention related to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Providers must continue to take all necessary steps to keep children safe and well during this
period and have regard to the statutory guidance on working together to safeguard children.
The safeguarding and welfare sections of the EYFS foundation framework still apply, including
LR SC BG Coventry Early Years’ Service updated 01.10.2021requirements relating to child protection arrangements. Providers should work closely with
local authorities.
11.1 Children’s wellbeing and support
Some children may be experiencing a variety of emotions in response to the COVID-
19 pandemic, such as anxiety, stress or low mood.
You may need to provide more focused support for children’s individual issues, drawingon
external support where necessary and possible. To support this, you may wish to access the
free resource MindEd learning platform for professionals, which contains materials on peer
support, stress, fear and trauma, and bereavement. MindEd has also developed a COVID-19
staff resilience hub with advice and tips for frontline staff.
12. Risk Assessments
Settings should continue to undertake risk assessments and implement the ‘Control measures’
Employers must protect people from harm. This includes taking reasonable steps to protect
staff, children and others from coronavirus (COVID-19) within the setting. Settings should have
already assessed the risks and implemented proportionate control measures to limit the
transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).
It is a legal requirement that settings should revisit and update their risk assessments (building
on the learning to date and the practices they have already developed). It is good practice to
treat risk assessments during coronavirus (COVID-19) as a “living document” and keep them
under very regular review in the light of any changing circumstances.
Settings should have already considered the additional risks and control measures. Settings
should review and update their wider risk assessments and consider the need for relevant
revised controls in respect of their conventional risk profile considering the implications of
coronavirus (COVID-19).
Settings should also have ensured that they have implemented sensible and proportionate
control measures which follow the health and safety hierarchy of controls to reduce the risk to
the lowest reasonably practicable level.
Early years and childcare employers should have active arrangements in place to monitor that
the controls are:
• effective
• working as planned
• updated appropriately considering any issues identified and changes in public health
advice
For more information on what is required of employers in relation to health and safety risk
assessments and managing risk, see health and safety risk assessment.
Risk assessments should be made easily available for teams to access, within the provision.
Please see additional guidance developed by Coventry Early Years’ service - Coronavirus
(COVID-19) Risk Assessment
12.1 Control measures
1. Ensure good hygiene for everyone
2. Maintain appropriate cleaning regimes, using standard products such as
detergents
3. Keep occupied spaces well ventilated
4. Follow public health advice on testing, self-isolation and managing confirmed
cases of COVID-19.
Please see: COVID-19 Risk Assessment Operational toolkit update 01.10.2021 for full
details.
13. Children who are clinically extremely vulnerable
LR SC BG Coventry Early Years’ Service updated 01.10.2021Clinical studies have shown that children, including those previously considered to be clinically
extremely vulnerable (CEV), are at very low risk of serious illness if they catch the virus. The
UK Clinical Review Panel has recommended that no children under the age of 18 should be
considered CEV and under-18s should be removed from the shielded patient list. The chief
executive of the UK Health Security Agency and head of NHS Test and Trace has written to
parents of these children to inform them.
14. Specific steps to be taken when caring for children with complex medical
needs, such as tracheostomies
There are a small number of medical procedures which increase the risk of transmission
through aerosols (tiny droplets) being transferred from the patient to the care giver. These are
known as aerosol generating procedures (AGPs). Within education and children’s social care
provisions these are only undertaken for a very small number of children with complex
medical needs, such as those receiving tracheostomy care.
Staff performing AGPs in these provisions should follow Public Health England’s
personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance on aerosol generating procedures, and
wear the correct PPE which is:
▪ a FFP2/3 respirator
▪ gloves
▪ a long-sleeved fluid repellent gown
▪ eye protection
The respirator required for AGPs must be fitted correctly (known as ‘fit testing’) by an
individual trained to do this. Staff in education and children’s social care provisions that need
support with fit testing should contact the appropriate health lead for the child/young person.
This could be either via the Designated Clinical Officer for SEND for support from the local
Clinical Commissioning Group, or via the lead nursing team in the health provider.
Children previously considered CEV should attend their settings and should follow the
same COVID-19 guidance as the rest of the population. However, if a child has been advised to
isolate or reduce their social contact by their specialist, due to the nature of their medical
condition or treatment, rather than because of the pandemic, they should continue to follow the
advice of their specialistCaring for children who regularly spit or require physical contact
If non-symptomatic children present behaviours which may increase the risk of droplet
transmission (such as biting, licking, kissing or spitting) or require care that cannot be
provided without close hands-on contact, they should continue to receive care in the same
way, including any existing routine use of PPE.
In these circumstances, to reduce the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission, no
additional PPE is necessary as these are non-symptomatic children in a non-healthcare
provision and so the risk of viral transmission is very low. However, additional space and
frequent cleaning of surfaces, objects and toys will be required. Cleaning arrangements
should be increased in all provisions, with a specific focus on surfaces which are touched a
lot.
15. Caring for children who regularly spit or require physical contact
If non-symptomatic children present behaviours which may increase the risk of droplet
transmission (such as biting, licking, kissing or spitting) or require care that cannot be
provided without close hands-on contact, they should continue to receive care in the same
way, including any existing routine use of PPE.
In these circumstances, to reduce the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission, no
additional PPE is necessary as these are non-symptomatic children in a non-healthcare
provision and so the risk of viral transmission is very low. However, additional space and
frequent cleaning of surfaces, objects and toys will be required. Cleaning arrangements
should be increased in all provisions, with a specific focus on surfaces which are touched a
lot.
LR SC BG Coventry Early Years’ Service updated 01.10.202116. Mixing
There is no longer a recommendation to keep groups apparat as much as possible.
Providers should make sure the Covid-19 Outbreak Management plans cover the possibility
that in some local areas it may become necessary to reintroduce keeping groups apart for a
temporary period.
Any decision to recommend the reintroduction of keeping groups apart would not be taken
lightly and would need to take account of the detrimental impact they can have on the delivery
and education and childcare.
17. Children and staff travelling from abroad
All children and staff travelling to England must adhere to travel legislation, details of which are set out
in red list rules for entering England. Parents and carers should bear in mind the impact on their child’s
learning and development which may result from any requirement to quarantine or isolate upon return.
Please read for further information regarding the Red List and quarantine rules.
Please note – all the text highlighted blue is ‘good practice’ which providers may want
to continue with. This is not included in the most recent DfE guidance.
18. Visitors
A record should be kept of all visitors which follows the guidance on maintaining records of staff,
customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace
Other visits by parents and carers: In-person visits from parents and carers can take place if
they are necessary but settings should make use of remote visits wherever possible. Settings
should work with parents and carers to ensure they still have visibility of the childcare
environment during this time, including through the use of remote visits, pictures and phone
calls.
Other visitors: Settings should consider how to manage other visitors to the site, such as
contractors, and ensure site guidance on social distancing and hygiene is explained to visitors
on or before arrival. Where visits can happen outside of setting hours, a record should be kept
of all visitors - where this is practical - which follows the guidance on maintaining records
of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace.
19. New admissions
For new admissions, providers should consider providing virtual tours for prospective parents
and carers.
If parents and carers are keen to visit in person, providers should consider:
▪ face coverings are worn if required in line with arrangements for staff and other visitors to
the provision
▪ there is regular handwashing, especially before and after the visit
▪ holding visits after hours. If this is not possible, consider limiting visits to the outside play
areas during regular hours, and ensure strict social distancing is observed
Prior to a visit, providers should ensure that parents and carers are aware:
a. of the ‘Control measures’
b. how this impacts them and their responsibilities during their visit
c. how to maintain social distancing from staff, other visitors, and children other than
those in their care
20. Parents settling children
Guidance from Public Health England outlines how parents and carers are able to enter a
provision to help their children adapt to their new environment. Providers should consider
the following:
▪ wear face coverings, if required, in line with arrangements for staff and other visitors
to the provision
▪ stay for a limited amount of time (ideally not more than an hour)
LR SC BG Coventry Early Years’ Service updated 01.10.2021▪ avoid close contact with other children
▪ are aware of the ‘Control measures’, how this impacts them, and their responsibilities
in supporting it when visiting a provision with their child
It is important to explain these expectations, verbally or in writing, to parents and carers
before or on arrival at a provision.
21. Workforce
You are best placed to determine the workforce that is required to meet the needs of your
children.
We welcome your support in encouraging vaccine take up and enabling staff who
are eligible for a vaccination to attend booked vaccine appointments where
possible.
Social distancing measures ended in the workplace on 19 July 2021 and it is no longer
necessary for Government to advise people to work from home.
Employers should be able to explain the measures they have in place to keep staff safe at
work. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published guidance on protecting vulnerable
workers, including advice for employers and employees on [how to talk about reducing risks in
the workplace]https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/working-safely/talking-to-your-
workers/index.htm).
Where face-to-face meetings are arranged, providers should make clear to candidates that they
must adhere to the ‘Control measures’ that is in place.
You should ensure that key contractors are aware of the setting’s control measures and ways
of working
21.1 Staff who are clinically extremely vulnerable staff
The shielding program has ended and adults previously considered clinically extremely
vulnerable (CEV) should, as a minimum, continue to follow the same guidance as
everyone else. It is important that everyone adheres to this guidance, but people
previously considered CEV may wish to consider taking extra precautions. In some
circumstances, staff may have received personal advice from their specialist or
clinician on additional precautions to take, and they should continue to follow that
advice.
Employers should be able to explain the measures they have in place to keep staff
safe at work. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published guidance on
protecting vulnerable workers, including advice for employers and employees on how
to talk about reducing risks in the workplace.
21.2 Staff well-being and workload
All employers have a duty of care to support their employee’s well-being and this extends
to their mental health.
Management teams will support team members by implementing flexible working practices in
a way that promotes good work-life balance and supports staff. Management will provide
opportunities for staff to discuss concerns, gain reassurance and support staff well-being,
before returning to work and thereafter. Responsibilities and workload will be continuously
monitored and adapted accordingly.
Additional support for employees mental health and well-being can be accessed through
The Education Hub
Management teams will also consider the impact of staff availability and their qualification levels
on staff to child ratios and on other relevant provisions in the statutory framework for the EYFS,
including the requirement to have a designated safeguarding lead and the expectation to identify
a special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO). This will be reviewed in conjunction with
government guidance on temporary changes to requirements in the EYFS during the coronavirus
outbreak, which sets out changes to qualification requirements to be included in staff to child
LR SC BG Coventry Early Years’ Service updated 01.10.2021ratios and to paediatric first aid requirements
21.3 Providers experiencing staff shortages due to sickness or self-isolation
Childcare providers that are experiencing staff shortages should:
▪ work with their local authority to identify how appropriate provision can be put in
place while keeping staffing arrangements as consistent as possible
▪ where necessary, pool staff with another provision, or take on qualified and Disclosure
and Barring Service (DBS) checked staff from other educational provision (including
local registered childminders) which have been closed or invite local registered
childminders to work with them at the provision. Registered childminders can already do
this under the 50
/ 50 registration flexibility they have
▪ wherever possible, ensure staffing arrangements are consistent on a weekly basis,
rather than a daily basis, in order to limit contacts
▪ Staff needing to quarantine: There is a risk that where staff travel abroad, their return
travel arrangements could be disrupted due to coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions
and they may need to quarantine on their return. Guidance is available on how to
quarantine when you arrive in England.
21.4 Agency staff, students, volunteers, and other temporary staff
You can continue to use agency and other temporary staff, including
students and volunteers, and they can move between settings. All temporary and regular staff
and
visitors should follow the arrangements for managing and minimising risk as set out in the
‘Control measures’ They should also have access to information on the safety
arrangements and be provided with this as soon as possible after the booking.
You can work with external coaches, clubs and organisations for curricular and
extracurricular activities. You should be satisfied that it is safe to do.
To help minimise the numbers of temporary staff entering the setting, you should
consider:
▪ using longer assignments with supply staff
▪ agreeing to a minimum number of hours across the academic year
This also applies to other temporary staff such as:
▪ support staff working on a supply basis
▪ peripatetic staff such as music tutors and sports coaches
▪ those working in before and after school clubs and extra-curricular activities
A record should be kept of all visitors with sufficient detail to support rapid contact
tracing if required by NHS Test and Trace
21.5 Staff who are pregnant
Employers should carry out a risk assessment to follow the Management of Health and
Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSW). More information is available on workplace risk
assessment for vulnerable people.
Information contained in the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Royal
College of Midwives guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) in pregnancy should be used as
the basis for a risk assessment.
Pregnant women of any gestation should not be required to continue working if this is
not supported by the risk assessment.
22. Application and disapplication of the early years foundation stage
framework
The disapplication’s ended on 31 August 2021
LR SC BG Coventry Early Years’ Service updated 01.10.202123. Planning for and supporting children’s learning if they are at home
All children should be able to attend as normal, with the exception of those children
who may still have to self-isolate.
We recognise that many settings have already shared resources for children who are at
home and we are grateful for this.
You should consider how:
● to continue to support the learning of children who do not attend settings
including how these children can maintain contact with their key person and peers
through the early years setting
● parents and carers can be supported to provide a positive learning environment
at home
You can also direct parents and carers to:
● Hungry Little Minds - provides simple fun, activities for kids aged 0 to 5
for parents to do at home with children to support their early learning
● BBC Tiny Happy People - activities for babies, toddlers and children
● Family Zone - National Literacy Trust
● help children aged 2 to 4 to learn at home during COVID-19
Providers can refer to the following helpful resources:
▪ Professional association for children and early years
(PACEY): supporting children in your setting
▪ Dr Dog explains coronavirus
▪ 2 metres apart activity
▪ Our hand washing songTalking to Children about COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)
24. Transition
Providers will consider and plan for all aspects and situations relating to transitions for children,
whether this be within the provision or moving to another provider / school nursery or reception
place.
Please see additional guidance developed by Coventry Early Years’ service – More about Me
and Supporting Early Years Transition.
25. Resuming Ofsted inspections
Further detail on how providers will be inspected can be found in Ofsted’s coronavirus
(COVID-19) rolling update.
The early years inspection handbook outlines how providers will be inspected from September
2021.
LR SC BG Coventry Early Years’ Service updated 01.10.2021You can also read
