Since the pandemic began, we have learnt alot about what early childhood education looks like and how we can stay connected to our families and keep safe. We are constantly applying what we have learned about Covid 19 and continuing to support the learning and development of children.  At Wellington Childcare our priority is the safety of our tamariki, team and whānau.  Responding to and managing the current pandemic environment is a time of change and a child does not adapt to and cope with change in isolation.  Everyone in the child’s world plays an important part in facilitating the process of change with children. Our teachers support and role-model ways to navigate their pathway to a new place.

 Public Health officials have advised that all early learning services are safe to be open when appropriate public health measures are put in place. Children and staff who are at higher risk of severe illness from Covid19 are asked to take extra precautions when leaving home, but they are still fine to attend the centre.

• If children/tamariki or staff are sick, they must stay home (phone Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or their GP and test if they have flu-like symptoms). If children become unwell while at the centre, we will ask for them to be picked up immediately- this can include  symptoms such as a continuous runny nose, coughing etc.

Environment 

•  Our indoor temperature is normally between 18-21 degrees. All rooms, including sleep rooms are kept well ventilated.
• Young children require a lot of physical support and it is not possible to explain or maintain a physical distance between young children given the age of the children and the layout of the centre. This means good hygiene practices are even more important.
• At meal times, children will have their own plates and will be supervised so that they do not give and take food to and from each other.
• Toys will be wiped down at the end of each day. Dress ups and other fabric items will be regularly laundered. Any item that has been in children’s mouths will be removed from the play space and thoroughly cleaned.
• All surfaces will be disinfected and cleaned daily.
• Frequently touched surfaces will be cleaned several times throughout the day.

• All children and adults will regularly wash and dry their hands in the appropriate way.
• Hand sanitiser is located inside the front doors and we ask you to sanitise your hands as you enter and leave the centre every time. 
• Everyone will be encouraged to cough and sneeze into their elbow, to catch the droplets and stop them getting onto hands.

• PPE is not required as necessary in any educational facility by the Public Health officials. However all staff have been provided with reusable masks and they may choose to wear them.

Further information

•  For the most up to date and relevent information on Covid 19 please check out https://covid19.govt.nz/

You can also check out our Youtube Channel: Wellington Childcare for lots of great activities, games and stories.