ÎÞÂëÌìÌÃ

By Rachel Lawler

The ÎÞÂëÌìÌà has launched a new Winter Toolkit for early years providers, including a series of resources to help them navigate the unique difficulties they face in the winter months.

Cold weather presents challenges for keeping children and staff safe and healthy but the addition of high Covid-19 rates alongside the usual flu season, combined with ongoing Covid-19 restrictions and self-isolation still in place, will make this a particularly challenging season for the early years sector.

The toolkit, which is free to ÎÞÂëÌìÌà members, includes a series of guides, posters and other resources addressing seasonal issues.

As parents are likely to need clear advice and guidance on managing illnesses this winter, the Winter Toolkit also includes handy posters and guidance to help settings and services keep parents informed about how and when to get their children the flu vaccine, what immunisations their child may be due and to provide answers to frequently asked questions about Covid-19.

The full toolkit contains:

• Winter safety guidance for early years settings 
• The ÎÞÂëÌìÌÃ’s Infection prevention and control mini-guide 
• Whatever the Weather outdoor activity guide for the colder months 
• Tips for supporting staff wellbeing in winter 
• A guide to children’s flu vaccines for parents and carers
• Posters (in two alternative designs) encouraging parents and carers to book their child’s flu vaccine 
• A childhood vaccination schedule poster for parents and carers
• A staffroom poster encouraging eligible staff to book their Covid-19 booster jab
• A template letter for settings and services to send parents and carers in the event of a positive Covid-19 case
• A poster for parents and carers answering commonly asked questions about Covid-19 symptoms and testing

The whole pack is free to ÎÞÂëÌìÌà members and can be downloaded via the ÎÞÂëÌìÌà Shop . Non-members can also purchase the pack, priced at £15.

ÎÞÂëÌìÌà Connect: Winter challenges - is your early years setting prepared?

Following with the launch of the ÎÞÂëÌìÌÃ’s Winter Toolkit, we will be hosting an ÎÞÂëÌìÌà Connect to facilitate discussion on how early years settings and services can best prepare for the unique challenges of winter.

Join us and early years colleagues at this FREE networking event as we discuss everything from infection control and staying healthy to supporting staff wellbeing to winter activity ideas, and more.