As the country goes into its second national lockdown, here at Hatch Warren and Kempshott Under Fives we are doing all that we can to continue to stay safe and operate as normally as possible for our children.

We will now not be allowing any visitors or parents inside the settings, only staff and children. Visitors and parents may still speak to Managers in our outside spaces and all drop offs and pick ups are from our garden gates.

Both of our preschools have very strict cleaning measures in place and toys and surfaces are wiped down at regular intervals throughout the day and after home time. Staff and children wash and sanitise hands regularly through the day - and the children have adapted to these stricter hygiene measures brilliantly.

We are required to have doors and windows open to increase ventilation, so preschool will feel colder than usual but we are staying well ventilated.

We are also making the most of our wonderful gardens and outdoor space and the children are spending as much time as possible outside, this includes going for fun walks across the fields and exploring in the woods.

For education settings teaching pupils in year 6 and below, there is no change to the existing position on the use of face coverings following the announcement on the new national restrictions. It is not mandatory for staff to wear face coverings. In situations where social distancing between adults is not possible (e.g: moving around in corridors and communal areas), settings have the discretion to recommend the use of face coverings for adults on site. So please follow your preschool's guidance on adult face coverings.

We have communicated useful links and websites and details of how to get tests to all parents in our newsletters.

Children should not come into preschool if they, or any household members, are displaying symptoms of coronavirus (a new continuous cough, a high temperature, a loss or change to your sense of taste or smell). They must stay at home, self isolate, and get a test. 

To read the full government guidance for education and childcare settings, click here