Updated 0948 on 17th March 2020

Under current government instruction, schools and nurseries are currently remaining open during the corona virus outbreak.

Therefore, all our footprints@ settings in Netherton, Hatton Hill and Kings Kids will remain open unless we are instructed/advised otherwise.  We continue to offer a warm welcome to our children and families.

First Steps is committed to ensure it operates safely and within the guidance from the UK government, the National Health Service and Public Health England.

Our staffing agency will also continue at present.  Directions is suspended.

We will keep this under review in line with official advice and guidance.

Advice from the NHS at present is to:

  • wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
  • always wash your hands when you get home or into work
  • use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
  • avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of coronavirus
  • only travel on public transport if you need to
  • work from home, if you can
  • avoid social activities, such as going to pubs, restaurants, theatres and cinemas
  • avoid events with large groups of people
  • use phone, online services, or apps to contact your GP surgery or other NHS services
  • do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
  • do not have visitors to your home, including friends and family

The NHS website states that you or your children should stay at home if you have either:

  • a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
  • a new, continuous cough – this means you’ve started coughing repeatedly

The NHS website also states:

  • Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
  • You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.
  • Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you’re staying at home.

The NHS guidance for staying at home is as follows:

  • if you have symptoms, stay at home for 7 days
  • if you live with other people, they should stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person got symptoms

If you live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days.

If you have to stay at home together, try to keep away from each other as much as possible.

NHS advice states to use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if

  • you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
  • your condition gets worse
  • your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

This is a constantly changing situation.  We will post updates as we know them. Further advice on what the symptoms are and what to do can be found on the NHS website here