Updated: 22nd February 2022
Definitions
Throughout this policy, the term ‘Lighthouse’ shall be taken to mean, collectively:
Lighthouse recognises that careful planning is essential in order to keep the children and our volunteers safe, and to limit the spread of coronavirus/Covid-19, within our setting. Accordingly, we will conduct a thorough Covid-19 risk assessment for Lighthouse sites running in the summer of 2022 and will review it whenever Government guidance changes.
Procedure for infection or suspected infection
Any child who becomes ill with symptoms which could be Covid-19 while at Lighthouse will be isolated from the other children by at least two metres until the child can be collected by his or her parents. If the child becomes seriously ill, we will call 999.
If a child or volunteer has suspected symptoms of Covid-19, they will be sent home and must follow the Government guidance for households with possible Covid-19 infection. This includes self-isolation and taking a Covid-19 test. See: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection
Lighthouse will remain open until advised otherwise by the local Health Protection Team, but parents and volunteers will be informed, especially those in high risk groups.
If children or volunteers experience any symptoms of Covid-19 they must not attend the Lighthouse until all symptoms have passed and they feel well.
Infection control
Like the common cold and flu viruses, Covid-19 is spread by:
We will assess in each of these areas to reduce the risk of catching or spreading Covid-19 at Lighthouse
Closure
We may need to close the site if we have insufficient volunteers due to illness to run sessions safely. In the event that we have a number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 associated with the Lighthouse site, we may need to close if advised to do so by the local Health Protection Team (HPT) in order to limit the spread of the virus. If the site needs to close, the Management team will notify parents or carers as soon as possible.
Thames Valley HPT (South East)
This team covers: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire
Public Health England, Chilton, Oxon OX11 0RQ
Email tvphe@phe.gov.uk
Telephone 0344 225 3861
Out of hours urgent enquiries 0844 967 0083
UKHSA East Midlands Health Protection Team
This team covers: Nottinghamshire County
Public Health England, Seaton House City Link,
Nottingham,
NG2 4LA
Phone: 0344 2254 524
East of England HPT
This team covers: Milton Keynes
UK Health Security Agency
Suite 1 First Floor Nexus
Harlow Innovation Park
London Road
Harlow
Essex
CM17 9LX
Email eastofenglandhpt@phe.gov.uk
Telephone 0300 303 8537
Written in accordance with the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (2017): Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements: Health [3.44].