Infection Prevention and Control in Early Years Settings - New Guidance

Early years providers across Bolton are being encouraged to adopt a new Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Guidance resource developed collaboratively by the Greater Manchester Health Protection Confederation, Greater Manchester Public Health Network (GMPHN), Infection Prevention and Control specialists, Community Health Protection Teams and Early Years colleagues from across Greater Manchester.

The practical "how-to" guide has been created to help nurseries, pre-schools, childminders and other early years providers put effective infection prevention and control measures into everyday practice.

It provides clear, easy-to-follow advice on:

• Hand and respiratory hygiene
• Cleaning schedules and routines
• Managing toys, equipment, and resources
• Environmental cleaning and decontamination
• Nappy changing and toileting areas
• Laundry and linen management
• Safe waste and sharps disposal
• Outbreak management and reporting processes
• Infection prevention self-audit tools
• Supervised toothbrushing schemes

The guidance has been developed using national best practice and should be used alongside the UK Government guidance, Health protection in children and young people's settings, including education.

Strong infection prevention and control arrangements help protect children, families and staff, reduce the spread of infectious illnesses, and support settings to remain open and operational during periods of increased illness. The guidance highlights that effective IPC measures can help "break the chain of infection" and reduce the risk of outbreaks occurring within settings.

The resource also includes practical templates, cleaning schedules, and a self-audit checklist, enabling settings to review their current arrangements and identify areas for improvement.

What providers should do now. All Bolton early years providers are encouraged to:

• Read and familiarise themselves with the new guidance
• Review existing cleaning and infection prevention procedures
• Complete the self-audit tool with their team
• Share the guidance with relevant staff
• Incorporate the guidance into staff induction and ongoing training

Further information

Providers can continue to access support from local health protection and infection control teams where required.

For infection prevention and control advice:

Community Infection Control Team (CIPCT)
CIPCT@boltonft.nhs.uk
01204 390 982