Monday 2nd November 2020 08:41

Dear Parent/ Carer,

I hope that this communication finds you and your families well.

I wished to write to you in response to the Scottish Government Tiered Approach and the announcement on Friday that East Ayrshire Council will be in Level 3.

Further to these national announcements, additional guidance has been issued for early learning and childcare settings which can be found here:

Update:

The main changes that I would like to highlight to you are as follows, however, please be aware that should we move tiers, that I will update this information to you:-
Due to our being in level 3, face coverings should now be worn by parents and carers at drop-off and pick-up times at early childhood centres (ECCs) subject to the existing exemptions.
We have further guidance on the importance of ventilation in schools and ECCs and will need to ensure that windows remain open where possible while ensuring that heating levels are adequate. Please do encourage your child to dress warmly as we go into Winter.
Our staff have to wear face coverings when not working directly with children, for example when in office and admin areas, staff rooms and other confined communal areas. The exception to this is where a person is exempt from wearing a face covering.
The core public health measures continue to be:
enhanced hygiene and cleaning practice
limiting children’s contacts
maximising the use of outdoor spaces
physical distancing between adults in the setting including parents at drop-off and pick-up times
active engagement with Test and Protect
All parents and carers should mention early learning and childcare (ELC) arrangements if contacted by or contacting the Test and Protect service.

Existing guidance that has not changed:
It is not recommended that children aged 5 and under wear face coverings in an ELC setting. However, anyone (whether a child or adult) wishing to wear a face covering in any part of the setting should be permitted to do so.
Children are not required to physically distance from each other or from adults. It is important for children to feel secure and receive warmth and physical contact that is appropriate to their needs, in particular when they are receiving personal care, need comforting or reassurance.
Evidence suggests that outdoor environments can limit transmission, as well as more easily allowing for appropriate physical distancing between children. Given that the risks of transmission are much lower outdoors, all early learning and childcare settings should maximise opportunities for outdoor play and activities.
Where possible parents should provide the necessary clothing for outdoor play. Where this is not possible, children should not share outdoor clothes or footwear. Items belonging to the service will be allocated to one child within each session and laundered/cleaned before use by another child.

I hope that this condensed update is helpful to you at this time. Can I thank for your ongoing support and co-operation during these difficult times and I will ensure that you continue to be updated as necessary.

With best regards,

Linda McAulay-Griffiths
Head of Education

Sent To You By East Ayrshire Council