Hygiene Policy

At Pitter Patter Play Ltd we promote the good health of all children attending through maintaining high hygiene standards and reducing the chances of infection being spread. We follow the Infection Prevention and Control for Childcare Settings (0-5 years) In Wales (Nurseries Child Minders and Playgroups) guidance.

Viruses and infections can be easily passed from person to person by breathing in air containing the virus which is produced when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. It can also spread through hand/face contact after touching a person or surface contaminated with viruses.

We follow the guidance below to help prevent a virus or infection from moving around the nursery.

Our staff:

• Encourage all children to use tissues when coughing and sneezing to catch germs
• Ensure all tissues are disposed of in a hygienic way and all children and staff wash their hands once the tissue is disposed of
• Develop children’s understanding of the above and the need for good hygiene procedures in helping them to stay healthy
• Wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when changing nappies, toileting children and dealing with any other bodily fluids. Staff are requested to dispose of these in the appropriate manner and wash hands immediately.
• Clean all potties and changing mats after each use with virucidal spray cleaner
• Use couch roll on changing mats, refreshing this for every use
• Clean toilets at least daily and check them throughout the day
• Remind children to wash their hands before eating, after visiting the toilet, playing outside or being in contact with any animal and explain the reasons for this
• Clean all toys, equipment, and resources on a regular basis by following a comprehensive cleaning rota and using virucidal cleaner or through washing in the washing machine/dishwasher as approriate
• Wash or clean all equipment used by children as and when needed including when the children have placed it in their mouth
• Store dummies in individual hygienic dummy boxes labelled with the child’s name to prevent cross-contamination with other children
• Store toothbrushes (as part of our Designed to Smile commitment) hygienically to prevent cross-contamination
• Immediately clean and sterilise (where necessary) any dummy or bottle that falls on the floor or is picked up by another child
• Provide a blanket for children that wish to nap
• Blankets are washed after use
• Follow sickness and illness policy when children are ill to prevent the spread of any infection in the nursery. Staff are also requested to stay at home if they are contagious.

In addition:

• The nursery manager retains the right of refusal of all children, parents, staff and visitors who are deemed contagious and may impact on the welfare of the rest of the nursery
• Parents will be made aware of the need for these procedures as part of their contract in order for them to follow these guidelines whilst in the nursery
• Periodically each room in the nursery will be deep cleaned including carpets and soft furnishings to ensure the spread of infection is limited. This will be implemented earlier if the need arises
• The nursery will ensure stocks of tissues, hand washing equipment, cleaning materials and sterilising fluid are maintained at all times and increased during the winter months or when flu and cold germs are circulating.
• In the event of an infection outbreak the nursery may, where appropriate, undertake a deep clean to ensure the spread of infection is contained
• We will report, as required to Public Health Wales and follow the advice that they give
• We will follow any the Government health guidance, as well as legal advice and our information from our insurers on any national outbreak of a virus/ pandemic and keep parents informed of any course of action
• Each specific circumstances will differ and to ensure we take the most appropriate action we will treat each case on an individual basis

Laundry

• Blankets for naps are washed after use
• Once the washing and drying is complete, fresh linen is stored in cupboard in the nappy change room
• Staff should wash their clothing separately and at home and should not use the nursery facilities for this purpose

This Policy was adopted on	Signed on Behalf of Pitter Patter Play Ltd	Date for review
23/09/2024		23/09/2025