Working through pre-registration Open Learning Course atm and have some questions regarding disinfecting/sterilising

[MiaOUCHthatHURT]

I am going through the process of becoming a childminder atm - early stages - am working through the SCMA's pre-registration open learning course (am too remote to attend training events). I guess that many things in Scotland will be the same in England anyway.

But one of the things I have issues with in the Code of Practice is that they say washable nappies should be kept in a lidded bucket in disinfectant. I dry-pail my nappies and am really reluctant to change my stance on this as I hate the over-use of chemicals etc. Also, children of an age where they might investigate the contents of the bucket would be supervised when going to the loo, so I don't see the problem.

The other thing I have concerns about is the need to disinfect toys etc. I would obviously wash toys regularly in hot water, but again, I don't like using disinfectant/sterilising stuff as I believe it prevents the development of a good immune system.

I suppose I would be prepared to capitulate if really necessary but it totally goes against the grain. Can you tell me how much leeway you are allowed on this issue when it comes to inspection?

TIA

Message withdrawn

I would agree about the nappy pail

But i do milton toys (remember I have over 15 children here during a week) - one cold or tummy big could decimate them

Nappy pail could be kept in a cupboard with childlock perhaps... would that work?

With courses, you write what they want the answer to be... which may not fit exactly with how you will do things in practice. So for your course, you can detail things such as using sterilising liquid, though in reality, you may use hot water, or hot water and some handsoap.

As far as I know, hot soapy water is a disinfectant as is vinegar and I'm sure that you can find other 'natural' disinfectants - doesn't mean imo that you have to use harsh chemicals.

Thanks for your comments - that's really helpful. Obviously being new to all this I am keen to make sure I follow the rules but it is good to know what you follow to the letter and what "in spirit"!

Katymac - do you mean you agree with the wording of the Code of Practice or you agree with me, re the nappy pail?

Thanks guys - I daresay I will be asking you lots of questions in the future!!

If you dry pail & supervise - what's the problem

I had the same discussion woith the OFSTED inspector about cat food

It's in my utility room whcih is where my downstyais loo is - well the children will eat it says the inspector

Well if they are old enough to come to the loo alone they are old enough to behave.........

Ah, cat food - that'll be another one too I bet!

Thanks for the clarification Katymac.