Infection control policy

infection control policy for the proposed service

As a mother and a childminder, I have a duty to protect my own family health and the health of all children in my care. That is why please DO NOT bring your child if they are unwell.

Before attending again, children need to have recovered in full and must not be contagious.

I follow the NHS exclusion guidelines; any child should have strict 48-hour exclusion from the last bout of vomiting or diarrhoea.

If a child in my care becomes ill, I will immediately contact the parents or their emergency contact.
I will ensure that the child is kept comfortable until parents or their emergency contact can collect them. If I or one of my family members is unwell, I will inform parents as soon as possible and discus my ability to provide care services.

Also, my infection control policy includes the following points:

·   My services will comply with the Health and Safety At Work Act 1974, along with NHS advice and regulations.

·   All equipment, toys, furniture, doors, rooms will be clean and hygienic before and after childcare sessions.

All windows will be open before sessions for a suitable period of  time (depending on the weather) to refresh the air in the house.

·   I will ensure each staff and/or children with symptoms of an infectious disease do not attend the childminding session until they are better.

·   All parents must inform me in advance about any health condition and infection the child has/had, then we will decide together the next steps.

·   I will inform parents about any infection myself or my family members have as soon as possible by text or phone call depends on the situation. Then decide together next steps.

·   If any parents give me less than 48 hours’ notice of absence, I will charge them minimum minding hours which is half day £30.

·   I will have a first aid bag for any emergencies.

·   Personal hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE) rules will be applied in my business, and I will use gloves, aprons, and face mask when and where needed

·   I will check that each child has her/his own water bottle and personal items.

·   I will encourage all children to clean hands before/after attending care sessions, food, playing outside.

·   I will ensure that any child who becomes unwell or sustains a minor injury will be separated from the other children in my care.

·   I shall administer any necessary first aid, then make the child comfortable near me where I can monitor the situation for all children.

·   I may contact to ask relevant health services if I need any help or advice about any infection or health situation.

·   I may call on one or both of my emergency contacts to provide me with support if I see it is for the safety of all children in my care or if I see the situation may become more serious.
I may at any time make an agreement with any other local childcare providers to support me in emergencies.

·   This policy may change or be updated at any point depending on my service needs and if legislation is updated, it will also be reviewed at least once a year.

   Updated 10/ June / 2023