COVID-19 Policy

Club Amigos recognises that careful planning is essential in order to keep the children and our staff safe, and to limit the spread of coronavirus/Covid-19, within our setting. Accordingly, we have conducted a thorough Covid-19 risk assessment and will review it on a regular basis and whenever Government guidance changes.

COVID-19 symptoms

Covid-19 is a viral, respiratory disease, which is spread from person to person by close contact. It typically causes fever and a dry cough, and in some cases may progress to viral pneumonia which cannot be treated by antibiotics. Symptoms ofCovid-19 can include:● Continuous dry cough● Sore throat● Fever (high temperature)● Tiredness● Difficulty breathing● Loss of taste and smell

The initial symptoms are similar to colds and flu-type illnesses, but the combination of a recent onset of fever and a new continuous cough seem to be present in many cases of Covid-19. However, it is important to be aware that in some cases the symptoms may be very mild or even non-existent, especially in children.

Procedure for infection or suspected infection

Any child who becomes ill with symptoms which could be Covid-19 while at the Club will be isolated from the other children by at least two metres until the childcan be collected by his or her parents. If the child becomes seriously ill, we will call 999.

If a child or member of staff 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

Most suspected cases of Covid-19 turn out to be negative, so the Club will remain open unless or until advised otherwise by the local Health Protection Team, but parents and staff will be informed, especially those in high risk groups.

If children or staff experience any symptoms of Covid-19 they must not attend the Club until all symptoms have passed and they feel well.

Infection control

Like the common cold and flu viruses, Covid-19 is spread by:● Infected people passing the virus to others through large droplets when coughing, sneezing, or even talking within a close distance.● Direct contact with an infected person: for example, if you shake or hold their hand, and then touch your own mouth, eyes or nose without first washing your hands.● Touching objects (eg door handles, light switches) that have previously been touched by an infected person, then touching your own mouth, eyes or nose without first washing your hands. Viruses can survive longer on hard surfaces than on soft or absorbent surfaces.

We will take the following steps to reduce the risk of catching or spreading Covid-19 at the Club:1. Ensure good hygiene for everyone2. Maintain appropriate cleaning, using standard products and ensure that frequently-touched surfaces are regularly cleaned with anti-bacterial spray or wipes, before, during and after each session.3. Keep occupied spaces well ventilated4. Follow public health advice on testing, self-isolation and managing confirmed cases of COVID-195. Advise children and adults to turn away from others and cough and sneeze into a tissue (or sleeve), then throw the tissue in a bin. (Catch it, Bin it, Kill it)

Arrivals and departures

We may need to temporarily close the Club if we have insufficient staff due to illness to run sessions safely. If this occurs the manager will contact the Health Authorities for further support and guidance.

In the event that we have a number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 associated with the Club, we may need to close if advised to do so by the local Health Protection Team in order to limit the spread of the virus.

If the Club needs to close, the manager will notify parents or carers as soon as possible. The manager will also inform the Local Authority as well as other relevant parties, eg feeder schools, other users of shared premises, etc. The manager will also notify Ofsted of the closure.

Useful contacts

DfE coronavirus helpline-Telephone 0800 046 8687Ofsted: 0300 123 1231Health Protection Team (HPT):Public Health England, Sussex Health Protection Team: • In-hours: (Monday – Friday 9am–5pm) 0344 225 3861, hold then option 3 • Out of hours: 0844 967 0069