As you will be aware, Covid-19 has had an impact on the way our services have been able to run, but we are still very much here and able to support all of our families, in any way we can. Instead of our busy range of face to face programmes, we have been able to offer online activities and resources, door step deliveries of essential items and telephone support. We have recently been carrying out essential door step visits, garden visits and socially distanced 1:1 venue visits, while adhering to the most recent guidance.
Our programmes for September will look very different than last year. We will be starting with outdoor activities, our peer development groups, then some small, pre-booked venue sessions. We will continue to use social media and our website to share ideas and activities. As always, we will keep Parents/Carers informed along the way with updates on what we will be running. Please be aware that due to the nature of Covid-19, our plans may have to change at short notice. However we will always keep you informed of any changes.
I wanted to take the time to reassure you that a great deal of time, planning and preparation has been going on in the background over the summer period. At Lisburn Sure Start, we will always have your safety; your child’s safety and Staff safety as priority. We have completed a Covid-19 Risk assessment based upon:
• the most recent Department Of Health guidance for registered childcare
• Child Care Partnership Infection control resource and
• all other relevant guidance required from professional bodies and the Public Health Agency
We have also submitted our pre-start registration form to Social Services and have received our letter of endorsement confirming we are ready to open and are compliant with all Covid-19 regulations.
Staff members have accessed the COVID-19 training app and have all completed the evaluation tool, as well as undergoing internal infection control training. PPE has been made available to all Staff.
We have had an external cleaning company in to carry out an intensive deep clean of the premises. This will be repeated throughout the year. Staff will be following our Covid-19 cleaning procedures daily. Cleaning always has and always will, continue to be a large part of our day to day roles.
In terms of helping the children to settle in, we have lots of creative things in place to try and make this transition easier for them and for you, as their Parent/Carer. We appreciate you may be feeling anxious about children starting programmes during this time and wondering how they will settle. All of our Staff are here to support you and your child.
So whether you have just graduated from our Developmental Programme for 2-3 or Little Stars and are getting ready to go to Nursery, or if you are getting ready to join us in September, this video is for you! There are some lovely, simple ideas on helping your child settle in their transition to a new setting:
https://youtu.be/ivd80mcMjLQ
We will be sharing more videos and information over the next few weeks, so please keep an eye on our Facebook page and website.
Remember- you can ask Staff any questions you may have- no matter how small they seem. We want to do everything we can to support you and your family.
We have had some new faces join our Team over the last couple of weeks and we will be taking the time to introduce them to you via Facebook as well.
Take care and stay safe,
Rachael, Sure Start Coordinator
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