We bet you are all experts at home schooling by now. A big well done from all of us.

It would be great if you shared tips with us to help resettle our children into our routines.

As you may be aware the government has asked early years setting to resume on the 1st of June. Although this may be subject to change, we are preparing as if it would not.

Many of you would be worried about the safety of your children in returning to the nursery but please be assured that the safety, safeguarding and well-being of our children and staff are paramount in our planning.

If we are advised otherwise about the opening of the nursery, we will not open except to children of keyworkers.

We are still taking the time to interpret and understand the government guidelines regarding re-opening the early years setting. However, we want you to be aware of the measures we will be putting in place to keep your children safe in our care.

What we will be doing

  • The setting will be thoroughly risk assessed.
  • Arrival and departure will be by the side gate in the garden because it provides more space. Arrival and departure will be staggered to avoid cluster of parents.
  • Parents will not be allowed into the setting for now
  • On arrival, children will be changed into their indoor shoes. Please provide one if you have not
  • On arrival, children will be taken to wash their hands and clothing wiped down with disinfecting wipes. Handwashing will be regular throughout the day.
  • Group size would be a maximum of 5 children.
  • As children move from space to space, there will be regular and constant wiping down of spaces and resources throughout the day.
  • Daily deep cleaning will be done at the end of each day.
  • We will be spending more time outdoors as it has been proven to reduce the risk of infections.
  • Staff have all undertaked training in Prevention of Infection and Control as well as in Behaviour Management to better support your child.
  • We will give our children cuddles and comfort. We believe the wellbeing of the child is very important and they need support at this time.
  • Staff have the opportunity to get tested if they have any symptoms. They will only attend the setting if they are symptoms-free.
  • As we cannot go on any outing at the moment, we will take our children in their small groups on short walks
  • Beddings used will be washed daily
  • PPEs are not required in the setting. Staff may require to use PPE if looking after a child that presents with the symptoms of Covid-19
  • Play time and lunch time will be staggered
  • Children will be supported in age appropriate ways to understand the steps to keep themselves safe.

What we want you to do

  • We ask that you please be patient with us as we work to get this going.
  • Children should not be attending the setting if they present any symptoms of the Covid-19
  • Only parents who are symptoms-free should drop the child at the setting
  • Only one parent per family is allowed for drop-offs and pick-ups
  • When picking or dropping please maintain the social distancing measures
  • We understand that some children may be distressed for the first few days of return. A parent can come in to settle the child with minimum contact with other children and staff
  • We encourage parents to please avoid public transport when possible. If public transport is unavoidable, please follow the current government guidelines on the use of public transports
  • Please provide individual water bottles and cups if they have not been provided
  • Children should be discouraged from bringing items from home unless it is essential for their well-being.
  • In the event that your child presents any symptoms of the virus, they should be picked immediately.
  • Please can we ask that you log into tapestry and fill the ‘All about me’. We are aware that our children would have learnt so much and may have different preferences. This would help us support them adequately.
  • Please tell us about events that has happened i.e bereavements, traumas etc
  • If your contact phone number or address has changed, please update them with us.

Ultimately, the choice to send your child back to the nursery school is yours. These are some initial guidelines to explain how the setting will operate when we resume. We are aware of the challenges and anxieties some of these changes may cause everyone, we want to assure you we will try our utmost to support as best we can.

We are very much looking forward to having our children back; we have missed them so much.

We will be calling you again to give more details about days of attendance and staggered drop offs and pick-ups if you decide to bring your child back to the setting.

We would welcome your suggestions, we are all in this together (at different levels).

Please feel free to email us.

Thank you for your continued support.

Link to some documents setting out the government guidelines.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-educational-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020/actions-for-education-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020