1. Purpose
This policy sets out how First Kick Football will respond to infectious disease outbreaks (including flu, COVID-19, and other pandemics) to safeguard children, staff, and families, while maintaining essential services wherever possible.
2. Legislative Framework
- Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS 2024) – Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE 2025)
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Guidance on Infectious Diseases
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
3. Infection Control Measures
- Promoting regular handwashing and respiratory hygiene (“Catch it, Bin it, Kill it”).
- Encouraging children and staff to avoid touching their face.
- Ensuring tissues and hand sanitiser are readily available.
- Cleaning frequently touched surfaces (e.g. door handles, light switches) regularly.
- Displaying information posters to remind staff, parents, and children of safe practices.
- Instructing staff and children with symptoms of an infectious disease to stay at home until fully recovered.
4. Responding to Suspected or Confirmed Cases
- Any child who develops symptoms while at the Club will be isolated until collected by a parent/carer.
- Parents/carers of all children will be informed if there is a confirmed case, especially those in high-risk groups.
- Staff with symptoms will be sent home immediately.
- Where required, advice will be sought from UKHSA or the local authority.
5. Closure of Settings
- The Club will remain open wherever safe staffing levels and risk assessments allow.
- Temporary closure will only occur if staffing levels fall below safe minimums, or if directed by the local authority, UKHSA, or Ofsted.
- Parents/carers and relevant partners (e.g. feeder schools, shared premises users) will be notified as soon as possible.
6. Advance Planning
- Contact details for all children, parents, and staff will be kept up to date.
- Template communications will be prepared for quick distribution during an outbreak.
- Relief/supply staff will be recruited in advance and DBS checked to ensure continuity of provision.
- Information will be regularly updated in line with DfE, UKHSA, and local authority guidance.
7. Roles & Responsibilities
- Operations Director – overall responsibility for planning, compliance, and communication with regulators.
- Senior Manager – oversees day-to-day infection control and staff cover arrangements.
- Holiday Club Managers – implement infection control procedures and report suspected cases.
- All Staff – follow procedures, model good hygiene, and report concerns immediately.
8. Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if new infectious diseases or updated government guidance require changes.