Nursery workers forgotten about

[Jobseeker19]

I am seeing a lot of information for teachers, but not that much for nursey workers.

As nursery worker we come in to physical contact a lot more with children than teachers.

We change nappies, help with toilet training, feeding, handwashing, cuddles, wiping faces, patting to sleep, changing in and out of clothes etc.

Nursey children also put their hands in their mouth and on other objects and then on you.

I cannot see how any social distancing or even effective infection control can be maintained in nurseries.

The nursery is also open from 7.30-6.00 with staff doing 8-9 hour shifts.

Having just read the guidance from the DfE, it seems that they dont think nurseries need PPE other than what they already use and are trotting out the same 'wash your hands more often' line.

There is obviously a reason they think that. All this harping on about "we follow the science" and of course they do. They won't just have though ahh we'll give it a crack it'll be ok.

Children statistically are very unlikely to get seriously ill from this. So Is your average nursery worker (generally young women)

Of course I wouldn't expect anyone older or with underlying conditions to have close contact with that many children and I hope there will be provision made for that.

If you can't see how infection control can be implemented in nurseries I think you need to make an effort to learn considering viruses are present in our lives all the time and I think we'd all rather avoid flu and norovirus on a normal year too.

Things my son's nursery have implemented (some they've always done)

Poorly children are sent home (obv) and temps are regularly taken.
They steam clean everything. The whole room. All the toys. Every day.

They wash hands very very often.

The staff obv wear gloves when changing.

Also it'll help that anyone with symptoms will be tested and presumably then everyone else who was there too if the test is positive will also be tested.

I completely agree. I feel sorry for nursery workers, will have to send my child back to nursery if they open but I have very sympathy and don’t think they are getting enough credit.

@italiandreams I agree and actually I don't think they ever get enough credit. They don't get paid enough either.

Will nurseries be limited to number of children in a group and the key worker with them, like schools are?

what would you have liked for yourself as a nursery worker? and would it be possible to implement it in your nursery?

@ineedaholidaynow I think the guidance says you may need to limit numbers and keep groups seperate as well as you can.

Phased return of children, from the guidance it says to expect return of all nursey children.

Plus returning just the older nursey children at first who are toilet trained and can feed and dress themselves.

I work in the baby room there so at the moment I dont see how it's possible to stay safe.

How unsafe is your average baby considering they don't socialise with others particularly?

What is it you're worried about op? Getting Corona? Dying from it?

They socialize with everyone that is in the nursery room, plus their parents, siblings and who ever they have come into contact with.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings

Yes I agree. I’m a childminder and not sure what to do. I’m not making any decisions yet. It’s my home too so the messages are very confusing.

But considering the vast majority of people are not going further than work or the supermarket what is the huge risk?

Also you'll be able to be tested?

How old are you op? Do you have underlying conditions?

I would imagine many parents won't be returning their children which will help with distancing/separation into small groups. Obviously it is going to be impossible for everyone to always socially distance, similar to other jobs/settings.

As alluded to above, nursery staff should have been following "normal" hygiene precautions anyway, such as surfaces/equipment being regularly cleaned, hands washed often throughout the day, ill children being sent home, etc., etc. Covid isn't the only virus.

@TrustTheGeneGenie I assume some babies are socialising with grandparents and other households if families haven't stuck with lockdown rules

28 and have 3 children.

Parents will also be going back to work so they will be going further than the supermarket.

I can see your point but I also think that in my ds nursery most of the 3yo+ kids will be gov funded whilst baby kids will be private babies (hence more money) so from a financial point of view the younger the best for the nursery.

also as far as I understood by July most of the kids will be back so even if phased it'll be a matter of 1-2 weeks difference between groups I guess?

But people at work are social distancing?

Again what is it you're scared of op?

I"m a nursery nurse too. I'm scared. Late 40s with severe asthma. I love the kids, love the job and the cuddles. Usually dont even mind being sneezed/coughed on or a child wiping their nose on my uniform!

same here i’m terrified , i’m 24 with severe asthma living with family who also have ashtma. i adore my job so much but i can’t see how this is safe and how we’re going to be protected

To you both with bad asthma have you spoken to your employer's about it?

yep employer is aware as had to still come into work when ill often having to go to doctors appointments during lunch breaks

etc and wants me back as soon as we open
very frustrating

Ah that's frustrating. I can understand why you're worried when you've got bad athsma. I would have thought your boss would be more understanding in the circumstances!

Same here, I have missed many an appointment due to staffing which is why I have been unable to go on the official shielding list.
I will be returning full time on June 1st.
My workplace has done me an official risk assesment which says I must "do my best to avoid direct contact with anyone displaying symptoms".
Thanks I'd worked that much out for myself.