The guidance, issued by the DCSF, recommends that nurseries and earlyyears setting remove communal soft toys as they are more difficult toclean.
Separate guidance has also been issued to childminders advising that itmay be easier to avoid using soft toys and to clean hard toys after use.The guidelines also advise against the sharing of crayons, colouringpencils and wind instruments and recommend suspending morningassemblies.
They suggest children clean their hands after carpet work to avoidcross-contamination.
Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of the National Day NurseriesAssociation, said, 'Settings may wish to consider a temporary removal ofshared soft toys due to the difficulty of keeping them clean and therisk that they may pass on infection.
'Nurseries will work with parents to minimise any distress to childrenwho have brought items from home. The NDNA recommends that nurserieskeep themselves familiar with the latest on swine flu and ensure thatparents are aware of steps being taken.'
The guidance also outlines strict rules if children fall ill during theday, recommending that a member of staff be nominated to look after thechild in an isolation room, with the door left open.
Further information
Planning for a Human Influenza Pandemic - Infection Control - How toReduce the Spread of Pandemic Flu. Guidance for Childminders.http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/_doc/11483/ifc_childminders.doc. Planningfor a Human Influenza Pandemic- Infection Control - How to Reduce theSpread of Pandemic Flu. Guidance for Schools and Early Years orChildcare Settings.http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/_doc/11481/ifc_eychildcaresettings.doc
