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.
This is obviously really good news. However I totally understand that some parents and carers may feel anxious about this in which case we can happily place chairs 2m away from the main mat for you. 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 go back to how the classes used to be run – 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 will take lateral flow tests regularly to make sure I am minimising the risk of passing on the virus. I have also decided that I will leave it up to the parents and carers to choose whether to wear a mask or not.
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 those who would like to use them and continue to ventilate the room as much as possible like we did before however the Government’s guidance mentions we ‘should balance the need for increased ventilation while maintaining a comfortable temperature’. Let me know if you are uncomfortable with these changes If you are still happy to come but would feel more comfortable being 2 meter away, just let me know and I will place some chairs 2 meters away from the main mat for you. 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. You will need to let us know if you/your nanny have received both Covid-19 vaccinations.
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.