Covid-19 Risk Assesment
Childcare Provider: Erika Pollard Childminder
Establishment Risk Assessment
Date assessment completed:
25.05.2020
This document is to remain under constant review due to the fast-changing nature of DfE / Government guidance in response to the challenges posed by Covid-19.
Childcare risk assessment – based on the principles and guidance contained within DfE Guidance: Coronavirus (COVID-19):
covid-19 guidance for schools and other-educational settings
covid-19 implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings
covid-19 early years and childcare closures
This risk assessment should be read alongside Devon guidance Early Years-reopening 1st June and any further updates. Guidance for Early Years Settings on Re-Opening 1 June 2020
Suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 to the local Public Health England (PHE) Health Protection team on 0300 303 8162 (press Option 1, Option 1). This will enable you to discuss the outbreak control measures that are needed and the information to be communicated to others.
Erika Pollard
Significant Hazard Section
Control measures in place
Additional measures or actions not included in this column below should be put in the assessor’s recommendations at the end of this document
Movement of persons around the setting
Entrance and exit to childcare setting causing people to congregate compromising social distancing.
Stagger drop-off and collection times where possible. Plan this and provide information to parents. Discourage parents from gathering together and implement social distancing outside the setting to minimise the adult to adult contact.
Travel & Outings
If we go out of the house (including garden) we will risk assess and speak to parents.
We will not use public transport. We will try to avoid taking toddlers on any school run to Musbury Primary. We will arrange to have school children picked up together at a specified time if they are from different classes. All Musbury School runs are on foot. Musbury Primary is a five minute walk away.
Overcrowding in Playrooms
Our childminding setting has numbers limited by our registration requirements. We will continue to keep to small groups (a bubble), with generally no more than 6 children per small group and adhere to the EYFS ratios.
Social distancing is not possible in a childminding setting.
We will however continue to:-
Exercise recommended hygiene routines.
Space activities as far apart as possible.
Set out playroom where possible to ensure access to outside space, age appropriate equipment and resources, whilst preventing mixing with other bubble groups.
Reduce movement around the setting using regular routines and appropriate selection of other learning environments. Ie Outdoors
As a childminder I will continue to adhere to the Statutory Guidance with respect to ratios and all other matters. Social distancing and the use of face coverings is not possible in the early years. We will encourage good hygiene.
Lunchtimes and snacks.
Ensure tables, chairs and surfaces, including the floor, are cleaned frequently through the day and as required. Ensure children do not share food and that they are helped to wash their hands frequently, especially before and after eating.
Spread of virus due to increased numbers of people within the building.
Inform parents that if their child needs to be accompanied to setting only one parent should attend if possible
Premises related matters
I have reviewed my risk assessment, to ensure control measures remain suitable and in place. Risk assessments have been updated to include COVID-19 and any changes that have been necessary e.g. hand washing, and extra surface cleaning and deep cleaning.
First Aid procedures – Reduced numbers of first aiders and Paediatric first aider.
Review First Aid procedures remain in place. Erika and Mike have up to date paediatric first aid certificates.
We will use the recommended ppe when dealing with body fluids. We will use pps if a child is taken ill and we are waiting for a parent to collect them.
Fire Procedures
Fire safety procedures have been reviewed and there are no changes to fire evacuation and escape routes.
Testing and monitoring regimes continue to be in place for fire detection and alarm systems, fire extinguishers.
Water hygiene
Water supply has been in continuous use and recently tested. It meets the requirement for safe drinking water.
Children and adults wash their hands frequently and the toilet is flushed appropriately. All surfaces are sanitised.
Using and monitoring new practices to reduce risk of Covid-19 transmission
We will monitor arrangements throughout the day and make remedial actions where needed. Ensure there are opportunities for all to raise concerns / make suggestions. Review Setting Policies & Procedures Including Safeguarding. To include Covid-19.
Safe working practice
To avoid cross contamination keep household and mindees food and utensils separate where appropriate. Enhanced cleaning regimes as per below. Cups, utensils, plates, bowls, beakers and bottles are sterilised.
Ventilation to reduce spread
Open windows and prop doors open, where safe to do so (subject to fire safety, security and safeguarding).
Management of waste
Ensure bins are emptied throughout the day. Tissues, like nappies and ppe, will be double bagged and stored outside the house and away from play areas.
We follow guidance on disposal of waste. Safe-working in education childcare and childrens social care including the use of PPE
Activities to take place outdoors and indoors.
We have reviewed which activities can take place and risk assessed.
We will try to use the garden as much as possible.
We will rotate books. Books will be sanitised where possible and left for 6 days before reuse.
Soft toys and furnishings that have been used will be machine washed. Some may be removed or reduced.
We will monitor toys and activities that are shared such as play cups, toy food and a toy microphone in order to limit cross contamination. Some can be sanitised some may be removed.
Cleaning and reducing contamination
Contaminated surfaces spreading virus.
As above. Remove unnecessary items. Regular cleaning. Remove items that cannot be easily cleaned.
Sand, water & messy play needs to be single use only, provide each child with their own tray, which is cleaned after use.
Books can be wiped with anti bacterial spray or wipes. Some may be rotated for 72 hours. Minimise toys to make cleaning regimes easier, if toys don’t wash easily or clean easily don’t use them.
Follow government cleaning guidance if a someone becomes ill with suspected COVID-19 at the setting
setting Safe-working in education childcare and childrens social care including the use of PPE
Using play equipment – multiple-use
Appropriately cleaned between bubbles of children and only one bubble of generally 6 maximum at a time
Shared resources and equipment increasing spread
Prevent the sharing of stationery and other equipment where possible Suitable procedures in place for managing access to items of ‘heavy use’ such as It equipment tablets etc to reduce cross contamination. Enhanced cleaning regimes.
Cleaning - providing additional requirements
Ensure cleaning products being used are suitable and that adequate supplies of cleaning materials are available. See Safe-working in education childcare and childrens social care including the use of PPE and Covid-19 decontamination in non healthcare settings.
Sufficient handwashing facilities for staff and children.
Children and adults will follow the recommended hygiene routines such as frequent hand washing. We will provide supervised access to hand sanitiser if we are out of the house. Children will be supervised to ensure they learn to wash their hands for 20 seconds as part of normal routine.
Handwashing practice with children
Review the guidance on hand cleaning and introduce handwashing songs for children. Ensure that help is available for children and young people who have trouble cleaning their hands independently. See guidance and resources available at: e-bug Information about the Coronavirus
Sufficient supplies of soap and cleaning products
Ensure there are sufficient supplies and deliveries. Use regular detergents and bleach. Review COSHH assessments (RA05) and implement additional controls required where there has been any change in products.
Toilets
Children only visit the toilet one at a time. Toilets are sanitised after each use.
Staff related issues
Ensure we are up to date on the latest covid-19 guidance.
Guidance, risk assessment and checklist for Childcare Providers will be via our Early Years & Childcare Adviser, Devon Early Years and the Department for Education.
Accessing testing arrangements are clear for all
Access to testing is already available to all essential workers Apply coronavirus test
PPE
Conditions for use of fluid resistant face mask and other equipment when dealing with a symptomatic child are clear and understood.
If a child, becomes unwell with symptoms of coronavirus while in the setting and needs direct personal care until they can return home a face mask should be worn by the supervising adult if a distance of 2 meters cannot be maintained.
If contact with the child or young person is necessary, then gloves, an apron and a face mask should be worn by the supervising adult. If a risk assessment determines that there is a risk of splashing to the eyes, for example from coughing, spitting, or vomiting, then eye protection should also be worn Ensuring that fluid resistant face masks are available and a supply is maintained.
Safe-working in education childcare and childrens social care including the use of PPE
Staff use of PPE
Children whose care routinely already involves the use of PPE due to their intimate care needs will continue to receive their care in the same way. Follow guidance covid-19 early years and childcare closures
Use of PPE
We observe the recommended use and safe disposal of PPE.
Follow guidance on putting on and taking off standard PPE Covid 19 personal protective-equipment use for non aerosol generating procedures and above guidance on use in education settings.
Dealing with suspected and confirmed cases / cases
Follow government guidance on what happens if someone becomes ill and what happens if there is a confirmed case of coronavirus in a setting covid-19 implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings
Ensure accurate records of adults and pupils are maintained to enable public health contact tracking and test regimes.
Child related issues
Vulnerable groups who are clinically, extremely vulnerable.
Parents should follow medical advice if their child is in this category: Guidance on shielding and protecting extremely vulnerable persons from covid 19 guidance on protecting people most-likely to get-unwell from coronavirus,shielding young peoples or if someone within their household is in this category Guidance on shielding and protecting extremely-vulnerable persons from covid 19
Children with EHCP
Complete risk assessment before attendance, for advice on Inclusion contact your Babcock Early Years Consultant for childminders please contact your Early Years Advisor.
Children unable to follow guidance
Young children will need additional support to follow these measures.
Specific issues for EY stage children understanding social distancing
Further EYFS stage guidance to be issued
Member of a bubble group becoming unwell with COVID-19
If a child is awaiting collection, they will be moved to an area where they can be isolated behind a closed door, depending on the age of the child and with appropriate adult supervision. Ideally, a window should be opened for ventilation. If it is not possible to isolate them, move them to an area which is at least 2 metres away from other people. Allocate a suitable room for this purpose and communicate intentions to staff. Ensure suitable PPE (including fluid resistant face mask) is available at this location.
Transport
Travel to setting and provision of safe transport:
Consider transport arrangements and where possible encourage parents and children to walk or cycle to the setting where possible.
Provision of food
Kitchen facilities comply with latest Covid19 guidance to reduce risk of infection/contamination
Follow usual food safety and hygiene procedures and Government guidance for catering establishments Guidance/working safely during covid-19/restaurants offering takeaway or delivery . Ensure Health & Safety policies are followed
Food that is able to be prepared on premises is compliant with Covid - 19 health and hygiene guidance
As above
Children will be generally asked to bring their own food as usual.
Food hygiene, operating in a safe environment
Consider the governments Guidance/working safely during covid-19/restaurants offering takeaway or delivery
Communications with parents and others
Parents, contractors and other staff entering or working in the setting.
We will avoid all visitors to the house except for urgent repairs. We will try to do such work outside of childminding hours. Where this cannot be avoided we will tell parents, carers or any visitors, such as plumbers, not to enter the childcare setting if they are displaying any symptoms of coronavirus. Inform all visitors, and contractors that only pre-arranged calls will be allowed on site. Publish a site telephone number in case of immediate access is required.
Suppliers understanding and complying with new arrangements
Discuss new arrangements with suppliers and deliveries to be arranged for quiet times or outside setting hours or delivered to the doorstep.
Communications to parents and staff
Regular communications, update emergency contact details for all children.
Erika Pollard
25.05.2020