HS101 Hand Washing Policy 2024.3

Hand Washing Policy

References:

Licensing Criterion PF118 Health and Safety, Toilet and Handwashing Facilities;

Te Whāriki:

Mana Atua/Well-being - Goal 1: Children experience an environment where their health is promoted.

Purpose:

At Windsor Montessori Preschool, we promote the health of tamariki, kaiako, whānau and carers by reducing the spread of infections transmitted by hands.

Procedure:

As part of our daily routine, tamariki independently wash their hands prior to eating or as needed.
Paper towels are available for tamariki and kaiako to dry hands;
Kaiako will refill the soap containers and paper towel dispensers to ensure that there is a continuous supply.
Kaiako will support tamariki to learn the importance of washing hands, when they should wash their hands and how to wash their hands thoroughly.
Kaiako will use a separate adult’s tap located above the tamariki hand washing tub.

Kaiako will wash their hands:

Before handling any food/preparing morning/afternoon kai and when baking with the tamariki.
After helping tamariki with toileting.
After working with or handling items in the playground, e.g. sandpit.
Handling secretions e.g. from a tamaiti’s nose, from sores or cuts, blood or body fluids (faeces, vomit, spit, urine etc).
After handling waste or rubbish.
After handling pets, cleaning animal cage/fish tank.
After coughing or sneezing.
When hands are dirty.

Handwashing should be performed as follows:

Wet hands under warm water to wrist level
Apply liquid soap. Lather evenly covers all areas of hands for at least 20 seconds. Include the thumbs, finger tips, palms, and in between fingers, rubbing backwards and forwards at every stroke
Rinse hands off thoroughly under warm running water
Dry hands with a paper towel taking special care between fingers.
Dispose of paper towel in the waste bin using the foot pedal to avoid contaminating hands that have just been washed.

Hand Hygiene Procedure During a Pandemic

All kaiako and tamariki will adopt good hand washing and drying practices, particularly after coughing, sneezing or using tissues.
Kaiako will encourage and support tamariki to keep hands away from the mucous membranes of eyes, mouth, and nose.
Windsor Montessori will ensure adequate supplies of hand hygiene products are available. This is a high planning priority as there may be shortages of soap and paper towels.

Review:

Date:

Review Date:

Signed:

Consultation: