q.  What is your overall approach to operating during the pandemic?

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a.  Caterpillar's key priority at all times is the health,safety and wellbeing of the children in our care, their families and our staff. In specific regard to the current pandemic, we are operating to our regularly update COVID-19 policies and procedures regarding infection control, in line with the latest guidance from the NHS, Public Health Bodies and government.   (Please see our full policy and procedures ' Safe Operating Procedures' on our policy page.)

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q. What safety measures will be in place for my child's return to preschool?

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a. At drop off times we are asking parents to hand their child to a member of staff at the preschool entrance and remain a 2 metre distance from other parents. We are putting the same measures in place for the  end of the day when parents collect their child. Where we are able to, we will be adding markers to assist with this.

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Children will be cared for in consistent groups of children and staff. Our indoor environment  is organised so that children will naturally use all areas of the room, rather than congregate in one area. The outdoor environment has been divided into 3 areas, and will be accessed within groups. We have provided guidance to our staff on how to implement social distancing in the setting.

We recognise that social distancing in settings represents a challenge for young children and we want to reassure you that we won't stop providing a child a cuddle when they need one.

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q. How are you managing access to the preschool?

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a. No staff member who has COVID-19 symptoms, (or who has a member of their family displaying symptoms) will be admitted into the setting until they have completed self-isolation in line with government guidance or have had a test and tested negative. Parents will be asked to confirm at the setting entrance that neither their child nor anybody else in their household is displaying any COVID-19 symptoms such as a continuous cough or high temperature of 37.8 or more.

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Non-essential visitors are not permitted at the setting.

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q. Will staff be wearing PPE such as masks?

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a. Staff will wear PPE for nappy changing and if a child becomes unwell during the day and needs to go into the isolation room.

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q. What additional cleaning and hygiene processes are you putting in place?

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a. Each setting has a dedicated member of the team responsible for regularly cleaning surfaces and objects that are frequently touched by children and adults. We have removed or adapted activities which could pose a risk of cross-contamination. As well as ensuring that staff and children are cleaning hands more often than usual, we are ensuring good respiratory hygiene by promoting 'catch it, bin it, kill it' approach to any coughs and sneezes. Children will be supported to ensure they wash their hands properly.

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q. What happens if a child or staff member becomes ill during the preschool day?

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a. If children or staff develop any symptoms such as a new continuous cough or a high temperature of 37. we will take immediate action. Staff will be asked to return home immediately, self-isolate and seek a test. For children we have a dedicated isolation room where they will be takn and cared for by a member of staff who is known to them until a parent can come and collect them.

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q. What if my child is poorly (not COVID-19 related) do they have to stay away?

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a. We ask parents to retain their usual vigilance around not sending their child to preschool if unwell, unless it is a very minor illness. Please call your setting manager if in any doubt.

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q. Will the preschool retain its usual opening times?

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a. The settings will operate as closely as possible to its usual schedule, but we do ask for flexibility around drop off and pick up in order to comply with social distancing.

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q. I have some anxiety about my child returning to preschool and would like to understand more- who should I speak with?

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a. Your preschool manager will be able to give you specific information relating to your setting and offer you reassurance.