Practical considerations for children’s programs

In physical gatherings follow these principles to reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus

  • Be far enough apart physically so that droplets from people’s mouth and nose are not inhaled by others.
  • Reduce the likelihood of touching the same surface as someone else who has coronavirus. The coronavirus can live on some surfaces for 3-7 days.
  • Promote good hygiene to reduce risk of virus transmitting from hands to surfaces and other people.
  • Be able to trace all the people who were together at the gathering. If someone is later found to have Covid19 the NSW or ACT Health Department will contact people so they can isolate themselves to reduce the risk of transmission to the wider community.

How these principles are worked out in practice will depend on your venue and the specific elements of your program. 

We can put in place practices that minimise the close contact children have with one another, but do not need to be strict about kids and physical distancing. Importantly, parents, carers and group leaders need to maintain distance from other adults and from children (other than their own) as there is a significant risk of adults transmitting the virus to one another. It is essential your team puts into practice the guidelines from ACT Government or guidelines from NSW Health for religious gatherings. The following are some practical steps you can take:

 

Communication & Signage

  • Make sure people know what is expected in terms of physical distancing – both signage and verbal communication
  • Give carers confidence that you have steps in place to keep children safe.
  • Ensure people know they must not attend a program if they are unwell.
  • Ensure parents know that if their child is noticed to be unwell, they will be asked to take them home.

Venue

  • Where possible have separate entry and exit points. Plan entry to the program and returning children to parents in a way that avoids adults congregating.
  • Use signage to communicate clearly expectations and safety messages.
  • Think through how doors will be opened/closed to reduce touching, but still keeping kids safe.
  • Collect contact details. At a minimum name and phone number of every person in attendance including leaders.

Activities

  • Limit the number of children together in a group. Smaller groups are preferable. Where possible avoid children changing groups to reduce the number of close contacts on any day.
  • Total numbers on site to be within the government restrictions.
  • For younger children and in free play or where a choice of activities is offered – set up multiple spots with activities to encourage the children to be in smaller groups.
  • Space out chairs/ mats/ hoops/ cushions (see cleaning guidelines)
  • Group singing and reciting can occur in kid’s programs 
  • Encourage more outdoor activities where possible.
  • Ideally have the same leaders stay with 1 group of children for the whole session rather than changing to different groups.

Hygiene & Cleaning

  • Encourage regular handwashing (on arrival, before and after eating, after toileting as a minimum) – ensure bathrooms are well stocked with liquid soap and disposable paper towel with bins.
  • Supply hand sanitiser at entry points and throughout the room. Keep hand sanitiser out of reach of young children.
  • Clean toys and equipment with soapy water and/ or disinfectant (avoid soft toys).
  • Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces eg. door handles, taps, tables
  • See the Safework Australia Website for detailed information about cleaning and what products are suitable to use.

Masks for NSW

Please visit here for the latest mask mandates. 

Food

  • Avoid sharing food.
  • Serve food to people or serve individually packaged food or ask people to BYO meals/snacks.
  • Anyone serving food needs to maintain strict hygiene measures – eg washing hands, disposable gloves, tongs etc.

 (Provided as a part of the Safe Church Health Check) Document last updated on 26/03/20

A Playgroup Leaders & Helpers group to share tips and tricks on surviving the COVID19 isolation.

A Children and Families Ministry Leaders group to share tips and tricks on surviving the COVID19 isolation.