The current guidelines from the Government indicate that Parent and Child Groups can operate as normal and without restrictions on attendance which is good news. There is no limits on the number of people who can sing indoors however singing can increase the risk of catching or passing on COVID-19.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-early-years-and-childcare-closures/actions-for-early-years-and-childcare-providers-during-the-covid-19-pandemic#parent-and-child-groups Classes back to normal… So, after reading what the Government say on their website, I believe we can continue as we were last term – i.e. parents/carers and their children sitting next to each other on one big mat in a semi circle. I will be at the front singing without the screen or a mask interacting with the children with the props and puppets which the children will be able to touch and hold. We will continue to just use the hand held instruments and won’t at this stage reintroduce the trumpets and saxophones to the Toddler class. Wearing masks As the guidance says, the risk of catching or passing on COVID-19 does increase with singing however I believe for the importance of the children’s development and for all our mental wellbeing, I won’t be wearing a mask during the class or singing behind a screen like I did when the restrictions where stricter. I have received both Pfizer vaccinations and the Booster vaccination and take a lateral flow tests every morning before the class. The Government's guidelines inform us that it is not mandatory for us to wear masks. Parents and carers can wear masks if they would feel more comfortable doing so but they don't have to.
Instruments, props, puppets and mats We will continue to sanitise the instruments, props, puppets and mats every day. Each class will have their own box of instruments. Hand sanitizers and ventilation I will still provide hand sanitizers for us all to use before the classes. The rooms will be ventilated as much as possible. So parent/carers and children will need to bring warm coats and hats to keep warm if the weather is chilly!
Notifying us of Covid-19 symptoms & any close contact positive tests Parents and carers will need to inform us if they, their children or anyone in their household or close contact have Covid-19 symptoms (even if they are mild) or have tested positive for Covid-19.
Tabby will of course let you know if she tests positive for Covid-19.
If the guidelines change If the Government’s guidelines change then we will make whatever changes are necessary.