📒Hand Washing Policy (QA2) (video needed)

National Quality Standard (NQS) - Quality Area 2: Children's health and safety

Implementation 

Infection can be spread through direct physical contact between people, airborne droplets from coughing and sneezing or from contact with surfaces and objects. Children come into contact with a number of other children and adults, toys, eating utensils, and equipment. This high degree of physical contact with people and the environment creates a higher risk of children being exposed to and spread infectious illnesses. Whilst it may not be possible for services to prevent the spread of all infections, we aim to create a hygienic environment to minimise the spread of diseases and infections.

 Hand washing is a vital strategy in the prevention of spreading many infectious diseases. Research emphases good handwashing as the single most important task you can do to reduce the spread of bacteria, germs, viruses, and parasites that infect yourself, other staff, and children being cared for. 

 Micro-organisms such as bacteria, germs, viruses, and parasites are present on the hands at all ties and live in the oil that is naturally produced on your hands. The use of soap or detergent and water removes most of these organisms and decreases the risk of cross-infection. 

 Our Service will adhere to National Regulation requirements, standards, and tools to support the effectiveness of our hand washing policy. We aim to educate and encourage children to wash their hands effectively which will help to reduce the incidence of infectious diseases with reference to the Staying Healthy in Child Care 5thEdition to guide best practice. 

To ensure the greatest level of personal hygiene, it is a requirement of the Service To wash your hands 

•           On arrival at the Service
•           Before and after toileting or changing nappies
•           After going to the toilet
•           After wiping a runny nose or blowing your own nose
•           Before and after administering first aid
•           Before and after administering medication 
•           After using chemicals 
•           Before eating, preparing and serving food 
•           Making bottles 
•           After cleaning up bodily fluids
•           After removing protective gloves
•           Before going home 

Children will be encouraged to follow educators modeling and wash their hands at appropriate times throughout the day. Educators will ensure all required equipment is easily accessible and appropriate for use. 

Strategies Educators will use to encourage effective hand hygiene practice include

•           Talking about the importance of hygiene 
•           Singing a song or reciting a poem (signing happy birthday twice is a sufficient time             frame)
•           Using a clear visual poster with a step by step instructions
•           Using positive language 
•           Encouraging and using positive reinforcement 
•           Ensuring equipment is accessible 
•           Provide clear simple routines
•           Give children sufficient time to practice and develop their skills 
•           Ensure adequate supervision and assistance is available when required 

We believe the hygiene practices of children being cared for should be as rigorous as staff and educators. Our hygiene environment supports the appropriate practice. 

Hand Drying

Effective hand drying is just as important as comprehensive hand washing. Research states that wet hands can pick up and transfer up to 1000 times more bacteria than dry hands. Drying hands thoroughly also helps remove any germs that may not have been rinsed off. We provide children, staff, and educators disposable paper towel/warm air dryers to ensure effective hand hygiene.

Wash Your Hands!