1.1. Transmission can occur via:
Direct transmission: close contact with individuals who are sneezing and coughing.
Indirect transmission: touching contaminated surfaces.
1.2. We will ensure that:
Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 or with a symptomatic household member will not attend the setting.
On arrival, each child and staff member must wash their hands thoroughly.
Hands are cleaned more often than usual (20 seconds with soap and water or hand sanitiser covering all hand parts).
Good respiratory hygiene is practised with the “catch it, bin it, kill it” approach.
Frequently touched surfaces are cleaned often using standard products (detergents and bleach).
Contact and mixing are minimised by adjusting layout and implementing staggered staff break times, using outdoor and other designated spaces.
2.1. Wearing face masks is not required in nursery settings, but may be beneficial in confined public spaces (e.g., shops, public transport).
2.2. Staff should continue using PPE for children who require intimate care, as per existing nappy-changing policy.
2.3. If a symptomatic child needs care before going home:
Supervising staff must wear a fluid-resistant surgical face mask (if 2m distance can’t be maintained), disposable gloves, apron, and eye protection if risk of splashing exists (e.g., from vomiting or coughing).
3.1. Extremely clinically vulnerable groups include those who:
Have had a solid organ transplant.
Are undergoing cancer treatment.
Have severe lung conditions.
Have rare/inherited conditions with high infection risk.
Take immune-suppressing medication.
Are pregnant with significant heart disease.
3.2. Shielding instructions will be issued by the NHS and must be followed. Key actions:
Avoid all non-household contact.
Avoid symptomatic individuals.
See government guidance: Shielding Guidance
4.1. Only 3 parents allowed inside the compound at a time. Others must wait outside the gate.
4.2. Children must arrive daily in clean clothing with a spare set in a plastic bag.
4.3. Staff will bring children to and from the door; parents should not enter unless invited.
4.4. Toddlers will enter through the garden gate; staff will collect them there.
4.5. Only one parent should drop off or collect the child.
4.6. Parents must collect children 10–15 minutes early; children will begin getting ready 20 minutes prior to pick-up time.
4.7. Avoid early arrival to minimise waiting and maintain distancing.
4.8. Feedback will be provided via the Nursery Famly app. No extended door conversations.
4.9. Parents must not linger in the compound to chat.
5.1. Room space requirements:
Under 2 years: 3.5m² per child.
Age 2: 2.5m² per child.
Ages 3–5: 2.3m² per child.
5.2. Group and staff allocations will remain consistent day-to-day.
5.3. Children will remain in the same area all day. Areas will be cleaned throughout the day and at closing.
6.1. Toy quantity will be reduced but variety maintained.
6.2. Prohibited: soft toys, rugs, pillows, bean bags (except sleep mats and bedding bags).
6.3. Toys must be cleaned between uses by different groups.
6.4. No water/sand play allowed.
6.5. No toys from home except dummies (which will be sterilised). Cups and beakers will also be sterilised.
7.1. We will follow the COVID-19: cleaning of non-healthcare settings guidance.
7.2. Cleaning Protocol:
Wear disposable gloves and aprons.
Clean surfaces with warm soapy water, then disinfect.
Focus on high-touch surfaces (e.g., door handles, bannisters, toilets).
Use eye/mouth/nose protection when cleaning areas with body fluids.
Public areas can be cleaned normally unless visibly contaminated.
7.3. Cleaning Materials:
Use disposable cloths/mops.
Use appropriate disinfectants (e.g., 1000 ppm av.cl.).
Avoid splashing during cleaning.
Steam clean unlaunderable items.
7.4. Personal Hygiene:
Staff and children to wash hands frequently for 20 seconds.
Upon arrival, before/after meals, after coughing/sneezing.
Children discouraged from touching face.
Bins used for tissues (“catch it, bin it, kill it”).
Assistance provided to children struggling with hand hygiene.
Ensure ventilation by opening windows or using vents.
Prop open doors where safe to reduce surface contact.
7.5. Additional Cleaning:
Wipe down all resources after use.
During toilet checks, wipe down sinks and potties (use gloves).
Staff must clean up after themselves in the staff room.
8.1. Wash laundry according to manufacturer instructions using the warmest setting.
8.2. Do not shake dirty laundry.
8.3. Disinfect laundry baskets and transport containers.
9.1. Waste from suspected COVID-19 cases:
Place in a plastic bag and tie when full.
Place in a second bin bag and tie.
Store securely for 72 hours, then dispose of in normal waste.
9.2. If negative test: dispose with normal waste.
9.3. If positive: store for 72 hours or arrange Category B infectious waste collection.
10.1. If a person displays symptoms (e.g., continuous cough, high temperature, loss of taste/smell), they will be:
Sent home.
Isolated in a room with ventilation or placed 2 metres away from others.
Supervised with PPE if 2m cannot be maintained.
Use a designated toilet, which will be disinfected afterwards.
10.2. Emergency: Call 999 if life-threatening symptoms occur.
10.3. Staff who helped do not need to go home unless:
They develop symptoms.
The child later tests positive.
10.4. Staff must wash hands thoroughly after helping.
10.5. Cleaning of the area should follow non-healthcare setting guidance.
Begin your child’s early learning journey confidently — connect with Twinnie Nursery’s caring team for personalised support to nurture your child’s potential every step of the way.
Twinnie Nursery Belvedere is a trusted early years provider, offering tailored care and face-to-face support. From babies to early learners, we’re here to nurture every step of your child’s journey. Reach out to us today!
Twinnie Nursery Greenwich is a trusted early years provider, offering tailored care and face-to-face support. From babies to early learners, we’re here to nurture every step of your child’s journey. Reach out to us today!
