Hygiene

Our food and hygiene procedures are reviewed annually to ensure they comply with current legislation, official guidance and best practice based on up to date research. These procedures are clearly displayed in relevant areas throughout the setting and included in each staff member’s handbook to ensure they are followed at all times.

Personal Hygiene

All adults and children are expected to wash their hands after using the toilet and before handling or eating food. Proper handwashing techniques are taught to children and regularly reinforced to encourage good personal hygiene habits from an early age.

Coughs and sneezes must be covered with a tissue or elbow. Hands should be washed immediately afterward to reduce the spread of infection. Tissues are provided throughout the Pre-school for both adults and children to use as needed. Children are encouraged to blow and wipe their noses independently and dispose of used tissues in the appropriate bins.

Hand sanitising gel is readily available within the Pre-school and can be used in addition to handwashing. In the toilet areas, disposable paper towels are provided for drying hands. To avoid waste, children are encouraged to use one paper towel per hand wash.

When dealing with blood, vomit, or any other bodily fluids, hygiene procedures must be followed with particular care. Gloves must always be worn in situations where there is a possibility of contact with body fluids. Staff and helpers must understand the potential risks of disease transmission, including infections such as HIV and hepatitis.

During food preparation, staff must wear plastic washable aprons. If these are not available, disposable aprons should be used. Long hair must be tied back, and rings or jewellery containing stones or detachable parts should be removed to maintain hygiene and safety.

Children are taught when and how to wash their hands and are regularly reminded why it is important to prevent the spread of germs. These lessons are delivered in an age-appropriate, supportive manner to encourage lifelong hygiene habits.

Cleaning

Spills of blood, vomit, or excrement must be cleaned thoroughly and safely. Staff must wear gloves when handling such materials. Any cloths or materials used in the cleaning process that have come into contact with body fluids must be disposed of in the sanitary bin. Surfaces including floors, worktops, and toys that have been affected must be cleaned using a disinfectant that has been diluted according to the manufacturer's instructions. Any contaminated fabric items must be washed thoroughly in hot water.

A thorough cleaning schedule is followed to maintain cleanliness in the kitchen and the wider Pre-school environment. Cleaning activities are recorded in the ‘Cleaning Schedules and Procedures’ file located in the kitchen. This file outlines all cleaning requirements on a daily, weekly, and half-termly basis, along with step-by-step instructions for each task.

All new staff members are trained during induction in correct handwashing methods, the two-stage cleaning process, and full hygiene procedures to ensure consistent standards across the team.

Last reviewed: August 2025