As we move into Autumn/Winter sickness and bug season it is helpful to take measures to try and protect children and staff as much as you can.
Cleaning and disinfecting are part of a broad approach when it comes to keeping children and staff free from seasonal germs and Covid-19.
Here is a helpful checklist for trying to keep your setting virus and Covid-free.
Know the difference
Knowing the difference between cleaning, disinfecting and sanitising is a good start in understanding what protective routines you need in your early years setting.
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Cleaning is a process that removes dirt and grime from work surfaces. The process does not necessarily kill and remove germs, just removes dirt and grime.
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Disinfecting is the process whereby you use chemicals to kill and remove germs and viruses on surfaces and objects.
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Sanitizing lowers the number of germs and viruses on surfaces by either cleaning or disinfecting.
Areas that need attention
Areas that come into contact on a frequent basis need particular attention, to prevent the spread of germs, viruses and other air borne diseases such as Covid-19.
Typically, an early years setting procedure will need door handles, desks, computer keyboards, hands-on learning equipment, faucet handles and lockers to be cleaned regularly.
However, this comes at a cost to include time, staffing and cost.
Many viruses can linger on surfaces for up to 48 hours and has the ability to infect students quickly and effectively; potentially spreading viruses throughout the whole room and further into the setting.
Safeguarding staff, children and nurseries
When safeguarding your staff and children, effective processes need to be adhered to — processes that are efficient and affordable.
A simple and effective solution is electrostatic cleaning, that provides disinfection by electrostatic charge.
The method of electrostatic cleaning is applied from an electrostatic gun, that finely covers everything with disinfectant molecules.
This method is the best way to cover a large area, quickly and effectively, compared to using other cleaning methods.
Electrostatic sanitisation technology has been successfully used in various NHS Trusts and is endorsed by the MHRA and the British Infection Association.
It is 100% safe and eco-friendly and provides up to 28 days protection for killing 99.999% of viruses and bacteria.
As the most advanced method for tackling viruses, the certified chemicals that are contained in a very fine mist allows antimicrobial droplets to stick to any surface, leaving behind a microscopic layer of antibacterial and virus killing protection.
Future proof from future disruption
The Autumn/Winter term will potentially be a difficult period for nurseries to navigate, as Covid-19 cases slowly rise.
And with the cost of living crisis, parents will be even more compelled to send their children to school even if they are unwell, putting your setting at further risk of sickness.
If you are an employer, you are responsible for the safety of staff and children, so you will need to ensure you've taken all appropriate steps to operate safely.
Mitigating the impact on your staff and children with an effective sanitisation and infection control plan should be a priority before the dreaded viruses and germs return.
This was a sponsored post by
ElectroClean helps schools, early years settings, universities and soft play areas keep their staff, infants and pupils safe through advanced sanitisation and infection control. It is proud to have helped the education sector recover from the pandemic, reducing absences, protecting staff and reduce costs.
Its electrostatic sanitisation technology is a sustainable solution against Covid-19, norovirus, flu and other bacteria and viruses.
Alliance members can get 6 sprays free when you buy 12 sprays.