As of the 1st April 2022, Government guidance has been updated to; People with symptoms of a respiratory infection including Covid-19 (last updated 10th June 2022)
As we learn to live safely with COVID-19, there are actions we can all take to help reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 and passing it on to others.
Most people can no longer access free testing for COVID-19
If staff have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to work or carry out normal activities, they are advised to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
Staff
Symptoms of COVID-19, flu and common respiratory infections include:
- continuous cough
- high temperature, fever or chills
- loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell
- shortness of breath
- unexplained tiredness, lack of energy
- muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise
- not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry
- headache that is unusual or longer lasting than usual
- sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
- diarrhoea, feeling sick or being sick
If staff are feeling unwell with these symptoms, they will be advised to get plenty of rest and drink water to keep hydrated. They will be advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people, until they no longer have a high temperature or until they no longer feel unwell.
Children
Respiratory infections are common in children, particularly during the winter months. Symptoms can be caused by several respiratory infections including the common cold, COVID-19 and RSV.
For most children and young people, these illnesses will not be serious, and they will soon recover following rest and plenty of fluids.
Very few children with respiratory infections become seriously unwell. Attending education is hugely important for children’s health and their future.
When children and young people with symptoms should stay at home and when they can return to education
Children with mild symptoms such as
- runny nose
- sore throat
- slight cough
who are otherwise well, can continue to attend preschool.
Children who are unwell and have a
- high temperature
should stay at home and avoid contact with other people, where they can. They can return to preschool and resume normal activities when they no longer have a high temperature and they are well enough to attend.
All children with respiratory symptoms will be encouraged to cover their mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing and/or sneezing and to wash their hands after using or disposing of tissues.
It is not recommended that children are tested for COVID-19 unless directed to by a health professional.
If a child has a positive COVID-19 test result they should stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 3 days after the day of the positive test. After 3 days, if the child feels well and does not have a high temperature, the child can return to preschool.
Children and young people tend to be infectious to other people for less time than adults.
Children who usually go to preschool and live with someone who has a positive COVID-19 test result should continue to attend as normal.
What are the pre-school continuing to do to ensure the environment is safe?
We are taking every precaution to ensure a safe environment for your children. In line with this we continue to:
- Follow a strict hand hygiene regime with handwashing of children upon entry, before snack/lunchtime, after messy activities and after blowing noses.
- Maintaining a strict cleaning regime to include:
- Wiping touch surfaces regularly throughout the day with anti-bacterial spray
- Ensuring toilet and handwashing areas are wiped down regularly throughout the day
- Daily cleaning of premises
- Promote and follow ‘Catch it, Kill it, Bin it’ to encourage good hand and respiratory hygiene.
- Maintain good ventilation and more heavy schedule towards outdoor activities (where weather allows).
- Monitor children for symptoms of Covid-19, check temperatures where necessary and, where required, arrange for children to be sent home.
What happens if I suspect my child has Covid-19 or they have received a positive Covid-19 test?
- Contact the pre-school via email/phone and notify us immediately
- Recommendation is to follow government guidance
