DfE says that settings “do not require” PPE
By Rachel Lawler
Early years settings “do not need” personal protective equipment (PPE) while providing education and care to vulnerable children and key worker families, according to the latest from Public Health England (PHE) and the Department for Education (DfE).
The guidance states that “childcare practitioners do not need” PPE and says that they should care for children “as normal” with increased hand-washing and surface cleaning.
It says that children should not share soft toys, while others should be cleaned regularly.
The guidance also recommends that settings clean and disinfect equipment and surfaces such as keyboards, tables, chairs, door handles and bannisters.
Any children who display symptoms of the virus should be sent home with parents/carers.
The guidance has also clarified that practitioners do not need to take any additional precautions after leaving work, such as removing and washing clothes when they arrive home.
Settings are asked to follow social distancing guidelines where possible, although it accepts that this will be “harder to maintain” with young children.
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