News
Swine Flu Policy and Procedures (August 2009)
You are probably aware from the news that it has become very difficult to contain the Swine Flu virus due to its rapid spread. Nationally cases have are rising significantly by the day and it is against this background that we have reviewed how we will manage any confirmed cases within our nursery setting and how we will continue to keep you appraised of the situation. Be assured that we will continue to monitor cases very closely and will seek the advice of the relevant Health Protection Agency (HPA) on any major decision making with regards to Swine Flu.
It is important for all parents and carers to be aware of the following procedures that are now in place at Horspath Pre-School Nursery:
If you do suspect that you or child or any member of your immediate family may be showing any flu like symptoms we would advise you to seek medical advice prior to coming into the nursery. We also ask that you telephone the nursery 01865 876750 to advise us of the situation and likewise keep us informed of any further developments.
Could we please ask you to make us aware if you or your child may have come into contact with anyone who might be showing flu-like symptoms, whether this is siblings, friends or relatives.
When a case(s) is confirmed /suspected at our setting:
• First case of Swine flu within the nursery – all parents will receive a letter and email that a case is suspected at the nursery, and a notice will be placed on the noticeboard.
• Further cases of confirmed/suspected cases – all parents will be notified by email and a notice will be on the noticeboard.
• We will continue our current exclusion procedure for infection control i.e. children or staff showing symptoms will be excluded, in the same manner that we would exclude for any other virus e.g. chicken pox. The exclusion time would be the duration of the course of medication, which is usually 5 days.
• Where a case is confirmed in a parent they will be unable to drop off or pick up their child/children whilst on the course of medication, which is usually 5 days. If the child is not showing any symptoms they will still be able to attend the nursery if brought in by a well relative or friend, unless the HPA excludes them.
• We will continue to update you of any further procedures or policies we introduce to the nursery as the situation changes.
When an outbreak at nursery occurs (confirmed or a suspected number of cases that may affect the day to day operation of the nursery):
• We will seek advice from the HPA on closure of the setting.
• We will notify you by email and letter.
• We will remain open (on advice of the HPA) if able to operate safely and in line with our registration conditions.
Hygiene
We would like to reassure you that the continued well being of all of our children is of paramount importance to us. Our hygiene standards are already very high and one of our top priorities for minimising any risks of cross-contamination. We now have put in place the following extra hygiene precautions at the nursery:
At the entrance of the nursery we have installed sanitizing anti-bacterial hand foam, which we would ask everyone to use on entering the nursery. Please be responsible for your child to use the foam at drop off times before you hand them over to our staff.
Staff will sanitise work surfaces, door handles, toilet handles, taps etc a minimum of twice per day.
We will continue to communicate with you regularly with any further changes to procedures.
Can I ask that you also communicate with us should you or your family have direct or indirect contact with suspected/confirmed cases of swine flu. In this manner we will have the very best possible chance of keeping the nursery open.
Swine Flu Symptoms (taken from the NHS website)
The symptoms of swine flu are broadly the same as those of ordinary flu, but may be more severe and cause more serious complications:
Typical symptoms are –
sudden fever (a high body temperature of over 38C or 100.4F)
sudden cough
Other symptoms may include –
headache
tiredness
chills
aching muscles
limb or joint pain
diarrhoea or stomach upset
sore throat
runny nose
sneezing
loss of appetite
Useful contact details:
National Swine Flu Information Line – 0800 1 513 513
Website: www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu
NHS Direct – 0845 4647
Website – www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Should you have any concerns or other issues please do not hesitate to speak to our Nursery Supervisor, Jo Emmerson.