Now that there has been progressing in reducing the transmission of coronavirus. The government is encouraging all eligible children to attend educational settings - it is no longer necessary for parents of eligible children to keep them at home if they can.

 

It is recommended for all children and young people to get back into education, this is because it is the best place for them to learn and it is important for their mental wellbeing to have social interactions with their peers, carers and teachers. 

 

Pupils should initially return gradually so the number of children will be reduced at camp compared to usual and protective measures will be put in place to reduce risk.

 

There are important actions that we will take during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Preventing the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) involves dealing with direct transmission (for instance, when in close contact with those sneezing and coughing) and indirect transmission (via touching contaminated surfaces).

A range of approaches and actions will be employed to do this. These can be seen as a hierarchy of controls that, when implemented, creates an inherently safer system, where the risk of transmission of infection is substantially reduced.

These include:

• minimising contact with individuals who are unwell by ensuring that those who have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, or who have someone in their household who does, do not attend camp.
   

• cleaning hands more often than usual - wash hands thoroughly for 20 seconds with running water and soap and dry them thoroughly or use alcohol hand rub or sanitiser ensuring that all parts of the hands are covered

 

• ensuring good respiratory hygiene by promoting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach
   

• cleaning frequently touched surfaces (if inside) often using standard products, such as detergents and bleach
   

• minimising contact and mixing by altering the environment

 

It is not required for children and staff in education and childcare settings to wear face coverings. Changing habits, cleaning and hygiene are effective measures in controlling the spread of the virus.

Face coverings (or any form of medical mask unless instructed to be used for specific clinical reasons) should not be worn in any circumstance by those who may not be able to handle them as directed (for example, young children, or those with special educational needs or disabilities) as it may inadvertently increase the risk of transmission.

 

Our staff will not require PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) beyond what they would normally need for their work, even if they are not always able to maintain a distance of 2 metres from others. PPE is only needed in a very small number of cases including:

• children whose care routinely already involves the use of PPE due to their intimate care needs should continue to receive their care in the same way

• if a child becomes unwell with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) while in their setting and needs direct personal care until they can return home. A fluid-resistant surgical face mask should be worn by the supervising adult if a distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained. If contact with the child or young person is necessary, then disposable gloves, a disposable apron and a fluid-resistant surgical face mask will 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 will also be worn

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If a child or a member of staff lives with someone who is clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable), including those who are pregnant, they can attend the camp.

If a child or staff member lives in a household with someone who is extremely clinically vulnerable, as set out in the COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable guidance, it is advised they only attend the camp if stringent social distancing is adhered to and the camper is able to understand and follow those instructions. If stringent social distancing cannot be adhered to, we do not expect those campers to attend.
 

If anyone at camp becomes unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature, or has a loss of, or change in, their normal sense of taste of smell (anosmia), they must be sent home and advised to follow the COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection guidance.

If a child is awaiting collection, they will be moved to an area where they can be isolated, with appropriate adult supervision. If it is not possible to isolate them, they will be moved to an area which is at least 2 metres away from other people.

 

If they need to go to the bathroom while waiting to be collected, the bathroom will be cleaned and disinfected using standard cleaning products before being used by anyone else.

PPE will be worn by staff caring for the child while they await collection if a distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained (such as for a very young child or a child with complex needs).

In an emergency, 999 will be called if the child is seriously ill or injured or their life is at risk.

If a member of staff has helped someone with symptoms, they do not need to go home unless they develop symptoms themselves or the child subsequently tests positive.

They will wash their hands thoroughly for 20 seconds after any contact with someone who is unwell. Cleaning the affected area with normal household disinfectant after someone with symptoms has left will reduce the risk of passing the infection on to other people.

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We are looking forward to welcoming back all our campers at Young Explorers. See you all very soon.