Preventing and Managing Infections in Childcare and Pre-school

Identify how to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in children

Microbes live everywhere, especially in childcare settings where children play together at close quarters. They come in all shapes and sizes – and not all are harmful.

On this course, you’ll discover what germs are and how they spread, looking at simple ways of stopping infections spreading. You’ll learn practical tips on keeping early years settings safe.

You’ll reflect on the importance of antibiotics and identify what antibiotic resistance is and how we can prevent it, exploring the ways you can protect children from infectious diseases – including proper use of antibiotics and vaccinations.

This course is aimed at anyone who works with or cares for infants and young children (under the age of 4 years). This includes nursery nurses, daycare staff, childminders, and carers.

This course is aimed at anyone who works with or cares for infants and young children (under the age of 4 years). This includes nursery nurses, daycare staff, childminders, and carers.

• Explain that microbes live everywhere, come in different shapes and sizes, and there are useful and harmful microbes.
• Demonstrate how infection can spread through our hands, coughs and sneezes and identify the correct times and ways to wash hands.
• Demonstrate how microbes can spread through food or unclean kitchen surfaces.
• Apply techniques to prevent the spread of infection on surfaces in a childcare or nursery setting.
• Explain why vaccination for children is important and identify reliable sources for information on vaccination.
• Reflect on the importance of antibiotics and explain what antibiotic resistance is and how we can prevent it.