Flu pandemic guidance

**sarah707** · 30-04-2009, 09:12 AM

Here is the latest guidance -

http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/emergen...g/flupandemic/

The HPA are suggesting that we put together an emergency plan that we share with parents.

There are downloads off the link that will help.

**angeldelight** · 30-04-2009, 09:16 AM

Thanks Sarah thats useful

Angel xx

**Mouse** · 30-04-2009, 09:21 AM

It's good to see that they specifically mention childminders:

SECTION 3C – CHILDMINDERS - ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
3.17 Childminders should only look after children if they themselves and their own children are well, and should not look after children who are infected with pandemic flu.
What you should do now
3.18 This advice is for all childminders. We strongly recommend that you should:
. ■ Read the NHS leaflet for families available from DH 08701 555 455 or dh@prolog.uk.com or at www.dh.gov.uk/pandemicflu . Information for parents which you may also findhelpful can be found at www.parentscentre.gov.uk or www.direct.gov.uk/Parents/fs/en ;
. ■ Familiarise yourself with Government advice on personal hygiene education on http://www.wiredforhealth.gov.uk/cat.php?catid=838 , and general guidance on infectioncontrol, incl personal hygiene and seasonal influenza, at: www.wiredforhealth.gov.uk/cat.php?catid=917 New guidance will be added as itbecomes available;
. ■ Ensure that you are fully equipped with materials needed to implement infection control measures (e.g. tissues and tissue-disposal; hot water and soap), in time to cope with any imminent pandemic;
. ■ Speak to your local authority or childminder network co-ordinator and parents to decide on what your responsibilities are if there is a flu pandemic;
. ■ Emergency arrangements if children need to be sent home before the time normally arranged with parents;
.■ Plan your method of communication with parents, in consultation with the local authority and make sure your contact details are up to date. You could consider:
. • text-messaging
. • phone calls
. • email
. • parents volunteering to phone others.

What you should do during a pandemic
3.19 If you and your own children are well you should carry on as normal, but you should:
. ■ Make sure that you follow the infection control guidance;
. ■ Stay alert to any sign that children in your care (including your own) may be unwell. If any do show signs of having flu, contact their parents and make arrangements to have them returned home. Let the parents of any other children you care for know that their children may have been exposed to infection, but so long as they and you are well you should continue to care for them as normal;
. ■ Make sure that any child you care for who has been unwell is fully recovered before they return to your care. Children who have recovered will not fall ill again and will not spread infection to others.

3.20 If you feel unwell with flu symptoms you should:
.a. Not look after other people’s children and take sensible precautions for the care of any children of your own;
.b. Inform the parents of all the children you care for and ask them to make alternative arrangements for childcare;
.c. Not agree to care for any children until you are fully recovered.

3.21 Those who have been infected and recovered may be immune to further infection from that strain of virus, and may have cross-protection from any related strain. Before accepting children into your care, make sure you follow the infection control guidance, take sensible precautions and carry on doing so until the pandemic is over.

**huggableshelly** · 30-04-2009, 10:16 AM

Thanks Sarah

i've already put the kleanex posters up to encourage more hand washing.

I'm waiting to hear from a parent who is being tested today ... I've been thinking about writing something but didnt know where to start ... this is a huge help.

**RedDragon** · 30-04-2009, 10:39 AM

http://www.kleenex.co.uk/sneezesafe/...e_request.aspx

Free samples

**michellethegooner** · 30-04-2009, 10:55 AM

do we need ANOTHER policy or can we just print out guidance and pop it in folder?

TheBTeam · 30-04-2009, 11:54 AM

Originally Posted by huggableshelly

Thanks Sarah

i've already put the kleanex posters up to encourage more hand washing.

I'm waiting to hear from a parent who is being tested today ... I've been thinking about writing something but didnt know where to start ... this is a huge help.

EEUuuuuGHHHH, they are not near me are they! Sounds a bit close for comfort! Guessing you didn't go to group today, neither did i, i went to buy a little people train track!

**wendywu** · 30-04-2009, 11:57 AM

When i did the Flu Pandemic course over a year ago they said it would be a good practice to have a policy.

**nell57** · 30-04-2009, 12:04 PM

Thank you Sarah

**huggableshelly** · 30-04-2009, 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by TheBTeam

EEUuuuuGHHHH, they are not near me are they! Sounds a bit close for comfort! Guessing you didn't go to group today, neither did i, i went to buy a little people train track!

HE IS WAITING FOR RESULTS ... TAKES 3 DAYS HOPEFULLY WILL KNOW BY FRIDAY (oops caps) if it is it will be in the news like the other cases ....

no i didnt go to group today.

**Zoomie** · 30-04-2009, 12:56 PM

Mentioned this to my cm friend earlier today, and she said there is something on the Bromley site too, though I haven't managed to find it yet

.

Definitely need to do a policy / procedure on it ....

Thanks Sarah

, you are a star as always

**huggableshelly** · 30-04-2009, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by Zoomie

Mentioned this to my cm friend earlier today, and she said there is something on the Bromley site too, though I haven't managed to find it yet

.

Definitely need to do a policy / procedure on it ....

Thanks Sarah

, you are a star as always

at the bottom of the left hand side menu it states flu advice ... the same links as Sarah has posted for us.

**rickysmiths** · 30-04-2009, 03:06 PM

Thanks Sarah and Mouse for all the links. I have created a new folder this afternoon!!!!

**Blaze** · 30-04-2009, 03:29 PM

I posted several links on a thread in the early hours last night.

**Blaze** · 30-04-2009, 03:35 PM

Originally Posted by Blaze

Here you go:

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth...cFlu/index.htm

&

http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/emergen...g/flupandemic/

It was in a thread by Spangles in the lounge!

**RedDragon** · 30-04-2009, 03:44 PM

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publications...ance/DH_098685

**miffy** · 30-04-2009, 03:48 PM

Thanks Sarah and everyone else for the links

Miffy xx

**fionamal** · 30-04-2009, 04:30 PM

We have a man who works in our local postoffice who has just come back today from Mexico with his family. Hes being kept a beady eye on by the Post Office/ Council and the GP's for any signs of flu from himself or any member of his family.

Hes not showing any signs of flu but its early days yet.

Its alot closer to home than i would like but hopefully it wont come to anything but who knows

TheBTeam · 30-04-2009, 05:12 PM

0800 1513513 this is the swine flu helpline number set up today by the government to give advise on all matters relating to it!

**Nix** · 30-04-2009, 07:16 PM

Thanks to everyone for the information on this...I don't see a newspaper or watch the news so I only get to hear about stuff on hear or from my bf. Seems it's a bit more than the usual flu as a 'Phase 5'.

Already have a policy but I will ensure it is up to date...

Thanks again
Nix,x