Dear parent/ Carers,
I do hope this letter finds you and your family well after what has been a stressful time during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It certainly has made so many changes for many families and as we look forward to reopening our doors after many months, I would like to assure you that I will continually support you and your family to the best of my abilities and will continue to operate at the highest quality standards. I am still waiting on Government guidance to how we move forward with either Plan A or B.
The hope is we can go with full opening as detailed in plan A. I will be in touch swiftly with when there is more clarity on what Scottish Government announce on 30th July. Until then I can give you no further answers but have made sure we have a secure and solid plan for which ever plan we must follow. With that in mind, I would now like to share with you some of the plans I have outlined for your reference regardless of which plan is decided and I ask that you read carefully and take note.
Next week from the 3rd August some children are returning for childcare that is not funded if taking term time funding. The week after we are hoping Plan A is followed and all funded children can return from 11th August. On arrival from re opening there will be markers outside the nursery, and I ask that you adhere to them when queuing for your child to enter the nursery. From the 11th August we will have time slots for dropping off and picking up to avoid crowding outside the nursery. We will have these as close as possible to the time slots you have asked for your child to attend. More details to follow Handwashing stations and paper towels will be allocated outside the black iron gate and I ask that you ensure your child washes hands before entering the nursery.
No parents/carers will be allowed to enter the nursery unless there is a prior arranged appointment or an emergency. If possible, only 1 parent/carer to drop off and pick up child. Adults dropping off and picking up please wear a face covering Please bring a bag for your child that can be kept in nursery all week. This saves items going back and forward from different areas. Children are encouraged not to bring teddies, or toys from home to reduce contamination risk Staff will wear PPE when in contact with parents – please explain this to your children. I understand it may be unusual for them, but safety is our priority.
Staff will take off masks or visors if they wish when the children have settled into the nursery. And are only required to wear PPE if a child or staff member begins to show signs and symptoms. In this case the child will be kept calm and isolated away from others until they are picked up as a matter of urgency. Staff will also wear PPE when nappy changing, or first aid is being given.
Temperatures of staff will be taken on arrival.
Children’s temperatures will be taken throughout the day. Please check your child before arrival.
Please be encouraged to walk to nursery and avoid car sharing with anyone out of your household.
Strict cleaning rota's have been put in place with cleaning expected several times a day.
We will be using the outdoors as much as possible therefore if you would like to pick up your child early please phone ahead in case we are out. When out all staff and children will adhere to socially distancing others out with our nursery.
On the first day of your arrival on return please allow a few minutes to sign an agreement which will be issued to state you agree to the above terms. I hope that this can give you confidence in a safe return.
I will continue to work in lines with Scottish government advice alongside Care Inspectorate and Scottish Borders council and will regularly assess the above and make changes accordingly and inform you of these.
In the meantime, please look after each other, stay kind, stay safe. If I can be of any further help to you, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Kind Regards
Miriam Lindsay
Nursery Manager