Waltham Forest has produced guidance for early years and schools in event of a possible or confirmed case of COVID-19.
Waltham Forest has produced guidance for Early Years settings in event of a possible or confirmed case of COVID-19.
Process for early years and childcare settings when they have a confirmed case of COVID-19 in their setting
1. Call DfE helpline
All childcare and early years settings are encouraged to call the Department for Education (DfE) Coronavirus Helpline (0800 046 8687) for advice.
When you dial the DfE’s coronavirus helpline you should select option 1 for reporting a positive case. The line will be open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
2. Report to Waltham Forest Public Health team
Email public.health@walthamforest.gov.uk with information about the case using this Covid-19 notification form.
The inbox is monitored seven days a week throughout the day so please notify as soon as possible. Only one notification form will need to be completed on each day you report cases.
3. Review and complete the action plan for closed settings
The Early Years, Childcare and Business Development Service have produced a re-opening plan template for private voluntary and independent sector based on Government guidance and additional best practice.
Guidance to support children and families during self-isolation
Waltham Forest Early Years Covid-19 recovery Plan
Waltham Forest has produced guidance for schools and college in event of a possible or confirmed case of Covid-19. Please follow the flowchart below:
Many schools have managed multiple cases of COVID-19 now and are familiar with the guidance. Where you feel confident in implementing the guidance yourself, follow the steps set out in the Department for Education Contingency framework: education and childcare settings.
2. Department for Education coronavirus helpline
If you need advice on implementing the above, please contact the Department for Education (DfE) helpline on 0800 046 8687. Please note, that there is no requirement for you to contact or notify DfE. You can still contact the DfE coronavirus helpline for support around any cases, but there is no requirement to do so if you are comfortable with the steps needed following the resource pack.
The DfE helpline is open 8am-6pm M-F and 10am-6pm at the weekend.
3. Report to Waltham Forest Public Health team
Email public.health@walthamforest.gov.uk with information about the case using this form.
The inbox is monitored seven days a week throughout the day so please notify as soon as possible. Only one notification form will need to be completed on each day you report cases.
Colleagues in Public Health will then offer local support to the management of the case to complement the support offered via the Coronavirus Helpline. They will also liaise with the Director of Learning and System Leadership and colleagues in education improvement to ensure we collectively support you and your wider community in every way we can.
Schools will be provided with more expert support from Public Health England when you have a large outbreak of cases.
During this time you will still be able to contact the DfE helpline for support around any cases, but there is no requirement to do so if you are comfortable with the steps needed. Schools will be provided with more expert support from LCRC when you have multiple cases.