Covid-19

JB/AB/KS will share any change in information with staff, associates and schools on the Thrive OTS website and email/social media as appropriate.

·         Follow any local protocols/ risk assessments

·         Wash their hands thoroughly before entering therapy sessions and after using the toilet (or use hand sanitiser as appropriate)

·         Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

Therapists to reiterate message in sessions;

·         Cough or sneeze into a tissue or elbow, then throw the tissue in a bin. (See ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’)

·         Avoid touching your eyes nose and mouth with unwashed hands

·         Wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitiser if washing facilities are not avaliable.

Therapists will continue to work with all non-symptomatic children.

Therapists will use well ventilated or outdoor space as appropriate and frequent cleaning of objects and toys.

Therapists will be vigilant with cleaning.

Therapists will make professional judgements of risk in each case and decide what form of contact is required. This will be documented in individual’s notes.

Social distancing (2m) will be maintained whenever possible.

If it is expected that;

·         social distancing of 2m cannot be maintained

·         a non-symptomatic child presents behaviours which may increase the risk of droplet transmission (such as biting, licking, kissing or spitting) or sneezing

·         they require input that cannot be provided without closer contact

then young people should continue to receive care in the same way, however, the use of appropriate PPE will be required following the appropriate low, medium or high-risk pathway (clients likely to be medium pathway; no symptoms and not tested);

Covid-19: Guidance for the remobilisation of services within health and care settings, accessed 16/09/20

*masks must be IIR/fluid resistant.*

If PPE is required;

·         gloves and aprons are single use

·         masks are to be changed between sessions, groups or classes

·         eye protection to be cleaned between sessions, groups or classes if worn

This will be followed for donning and doffing PPE https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/877658/Quick_guide_to_donning_doffing_standard_PPE_health_and_social_care_poster__.pdf

In addition to following local protocols and risk assessments, therapists will wash their hands or apply hand sanitiser on entering school and prior to working with children.

Therapists will wash their hands or apply hand sanitiser prior to leaving school. Any essential equipment taken into school will be limited and will be cleaned or bagged up to be cleaned off site.

Therapists will minimise the number of interactions wherever possible.

Therapists will follow local procedures and recommendations and ensure they adhere to social distancing guidelines or wear appropriate PPE as outlined previously.

Resources, including standardised assessments and therapy equipment, that needs to be shared between classes or bubbles will be cleaned meticulously between bubbles, or rotated to allow them to be left unused for a period of 48 hours (72 hours for plastics).

Therapists are working with children who may not understand or adhere to precautionary measures, or who bite, spit or drool.

Therapists will use well ventilated or outdoor space as appropriate and frequent cleaning of objects and toys.

Therapists will be vigilant with cleaning.

Therapists will make professional judgements of risk in each case and decide what form of contact is required. This will be documented in individual’s notes.

If it is expected that 2m social distancing cannot be maintained then PPE is required, and previous advice should be followed.

*masks must be IIR/fluid resistant.*

Therapists are unwell but attend school

Therapist absence increases

Therapist has family member with symptoms

Coronavirus symptoms:

·         A high temperature

·         A new, continuous cough (a lot for more than an hour, 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours)

·         A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

All staff/associates to inform JB AND AB immediately if named as a close contact and told to isolate by NHS Track and Trace.

Staff/associates should follow any medical advice. AB/JB will seek guidance as required.

If staff/associates display any symptoms of coronavirus they should;

·         immediately self-isolate

·         get a test

·         follow government advice and recommendations

·         inform AB/JB of situation and test results

AB/JB to seek guidance as required

KS/AB to track absence related to virus.

Therapists will continue to work remotely with teachers and pupils via their parents/guardians (where consent has been given) to support occupational therapy goals.

Therapists will work with staff to send home list of activities for parents to complete as appropriate and necessary.

Thrive OTS will continue to post regularly on their website and social media pages offering generic support to all children and families.

If symptoms develop prior to starting work then therapist should isolate and get a test, informing AB/JB/KS of the situation and subsequent results.

If symptoms develop whilst at school the therapist should inform the headteacher (or other SLT member in their absence) and follow school procedure. They will need to self-isolate and journey home appropriately, then follow government advice and recommendations. AB and JB should be informed once home.

Remind staff of sickness and absence policy.

All Staff to inform JB AND AB immediately if named as a close contact and told to isolate by NHS Track and Trace.

·         Staff/associates should follow medical and government advice in these circumstances.

KS/JB/AB to inform schools immediately if therapist has positive diagnosis and follow Public Health England/ school’s risk assessment and protocols.

PUPIL

Child reported to teacher/headteacher/SLT Member and follow local procedures.