Covid Procedures

NNS policies during COVID-19 restrictions

This policy document will override previously approved policies for the duration of COVID-19 restrictions in accordance with NSW Department of Health. Any areas where this policy is silent the previous policies remain applicable. When COVID-19 restrictions cease, the Northern Nursery School (hereafter “preschool”) will revert to the pre-existing policies.

Aim

The preschool and all educators are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment that reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Procedures

1.Families are not to enter the preschool during COVID-19 restrictions

To reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, families are not permitted to enter the preschool during COVID-19 restrictions. Exceptions apply to those who have a pre-arranged visit with the Director or external deliveries, both must follow the same process outlined below.

1a. Pre-arranged visit with the Director and external deliveries

A pre-arranged visit with the Director can include families, regular external therapists meeting with children and parent information sessions. External deliveries

If a pre-arranged visit with the Director is taking place, the person is to:

  • Maintain social distancing (1.5 metres) from staff and children.
  • Confirm with the Director at entry that they are well.
  • Confirm that they and no-one in their immediate family is waiting on the outcome of a COVID-19 test and/or self-isolating.
  • Confirm that they have not recently attended any known COVID-19 hotspots as notified by NSW Health.

1b. When entering the preschool, the person is to:

  • Wear a mask.
  • Undertake a temperature check to ensure the person has a temperature below 37.5 degrees. If the recorded temperature is above or equal to 37.5 the person will not be permitted to enter the preschool.
  • Clean hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser or soap and water.
  • Record their details in the visitor’s log-book including temperature.
  • Follow recommended respiratory hygiene practices when coughing or sneezing.

2. Arrival of Children at NNS

To reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, when families drop-off their child/ren, they are required to comply with the following procedures.

2a. When child/ren arrive at preschool and families are waiting outside the relevant gate to enter, families are to assist in reducing the spread of the COVID-19, by:

  • Maintaining social distancing (1.5 metres) between other families, staff and children.
  • Not attending the preschool if they are waiting on COVID-19 test results and/or self-isolating or if anyone in their house hold is waiting on a COVID 19 test result.
  • Not attending the preschool if they or any other members of their household have experienced COVID-19 symptoms, including cold and flu like symptoms, in the last 24 hrs.
  • Follow recommended respiratory hygiene practices when coughing or sneezing.

2b. Child/ren enter the preschool at the main gate (Wyong Street), only if:

  • The child/ren is known by the family to be well.
  • The child/ren has not displayed any symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 24 hrs, including cold and flu like symptoms.
  • The child/ren has not had a temperature equal to or above 37.5 degrees.
  • The immediate family of the child/ren are not waiting on the outcome of a COVID-19 test and/or self-isolating.
  • The results of a recently undertaken COVID-19 test for the child/ren have been provided via email or phone to the Director and are negative.

2c. When the child/ren enter the preschool at the main gate (Wyong Road):

  • A staff member greets each child at the main gate and this is an opportunity for families and staff to discuss any relevant information with staff.
  • A staff member accompanies the child/ren into the preschool where the child/ren wash their hands before entering their room.
  • Child/ren are signed in by a staff member on the roll.
  1. Departure of Children at NNS

To reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, when families pick-up their child/ren, they are required to comply with the following procedures.

  • A staff member hand sanitises children’s hands before farewelling each child at the relevant gate to an authorised adult, and this is an opportunity for families and staff to discuss the child’s day and any relevant information.
  • Grevillea child/ren are collected at the main gate Wyong Road.
  • Melaleuca child/ren are collected at the side gate at the corner of Wyong Road and Congewoi Road.
  • Lilly Pilly child/ren are collected at the large side gate at Congewoi Road.
  • Childr/en are signed out by their educators at the end of the day after they have been picked up by an authorized person.
  1. Concerns that child/ren are unwell whilst at preschool during COVID-19 restrictions

To maintain safety and hygiene at the preschool during COVID-19 restrictions, where concerns are raised by staff that child/ren may be unwell:

  • Child/ren are to be collected from the preschool immediately if requested to do so by staff.
  • Families will be directed to take their child to have a COVID-19 test as a precaution.
  • The Director is to be informed of a negative COVID-19 test result before the child/ren can return.
  • The child/ren should only return when symptom free and well.

 

 

 

  1. Safe workplace for staff during COVID-19

To ensure a safe workplace for staff during COVID-19, the preschool undertakes the following:

  • On arrival ensure all staff know they have to wash or hand sanitise their hands and frequently wash their hands throughout the day and to practise good hygiene.
  • All staff must take their temperature before signing in to ensure the staff member has a temperature below 37.5 degrees. If the recorded temperature is above or equal to 37.5 the staff member will not be permitted to enter the preschool.
  • Provide hand sanitising stations throughout the preschool.
  • Promote staff awareness to identify COVID-19 symptoms, such as, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath.
  • Ensure staff do not come to work if they are unwell and to immediately be tested for COVID-19.
  • Allow staff to work from home when awaiting the outcome of a COVID-19 test.
  • Encourage social distancing (1.5 metres) between staff at all times.
  • Ensure that the workplace is regularly cleaned and disinfected.
  • The Director is to be informed of a negative COVID-19 test result and the staff member should return when symptom free.

 

  1. Cleaning procedures during COVID-19

To ensure a safe workplace for staff and children during COVID-19, the preschool undertakes the following cleaning procedures:

  • A daily contract cleaner cleans the preschool at the end of each day in accordance with the NSW Department of Health and Department of Education guidelines for health and hygiene measures, including the cleaning of high-contact areas and door handles.
  • Staff maintain a high level of cleanliness and hygiene throughout each day focusing on high-contact areas, surfaces and equipment which are wiped down regularly.
  • A structured cleaning schedule is used by staff to ensure that all cleaning is carried out regularly and thoroughly, specifically the cleaning of toilets takes place in the middle of the day and when necessary by staff.

 

 

 

References

https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Documents/cho-letter-education.pdf

https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/symptoms-and-testing

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