Digital Noticeboard

Digital 

Parent 

Noticeboard

 

Welcome to our digital noticeboard where we will provide you with relevant information regarding COVID-19 and our new approaches to working through this pandemic to ensure the safety of our children, staff and families.
COVID-19 Guidance
Parent Communication
Staff Communication
Safe Operating Procedures
FAQs
Updates from our CEO
Safer Playgroups
Risk Assessments
Health & Wellbeing
Contact us

CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19 GUIDANCE – BERTRAM NURSERY GROUP

As a childcare provider, we take health and safety in our nurseries extremely seriously. Considering the current outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) we have put together some information, all of which is based on Public Health England and Scotland Guidance for Educational Settings and World Health Organisation advice.

What is Coronavirus? A coronavirus is a ‘type’ of the virus. As a group, coronaviruses are common across the world with typical symptoms of coronavirus including fever and a cough that may progress to severe pneumonia, causing shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease. Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, China.

LOCAL RESTRICTIONS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

National Lockdown: Guidance (England)
National Lockdown: Guidance (Scotland)

Parent Communication

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Staff Communication

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Safe Operating Procedures (SOP)

Nursery schools play an essential role in society and we must make adaptations to the way we work to keep our children, parents, and team safe during this time. The fundamental principle of this guidance is to ensure distancing between identified groups and to implement enhanced hygiene practices. The design of nurseries as relatively small communities with further subdivided rooms, greatly assists our ability to create physical distance between groups.

These Safe Operating Procedures (SOP) are based on Public Health England and Scotland, and the Department of Education guidance for nursery schools and their key workers.

Drop off and collection of children

To minimise traffic in the nursery, parents are asked to drop off and collect their children at the main entrance and not to enter the nursery unless necessary. Parents waiting to drop off and collect are asked to maintain social distancing by standing at least 2 meters apart at all times. An identified team member will be responsible for arranging handovers with parents.

This may not be the usual Key Person for a child. To minimise physical interaction, only key information will be shared on handover. The team member and parents should maintain physical distancing as much as practically possible.

Temperature and symptom monitoring

Routine temperature testing is not advised as a reliable method for identifying coronavirus. Parents and team members should follow the national advice on the kind of symptoms to look out for that might be due to coronavirus:

  • A new continuous cough and/or a high temperature

Travel to nursery

Wherever possible team members and families should travel to the nursery alone, using their own transport or by foot or bicycle. If it is necessary to share transport, journeys should be taken with the same individuals with the minimum number of people at one time. If public transport is necessary, current guidance on the use of public transport must be followed. Face coverings are advised on public transport to help protect others.

Implementing social distancing

A level of physical interaction within nurseries is unavoidable. The key to reducing the risk of coronavirus transmission is to maintain small groups and minimise physical interaction between these groups.

Hygiene & Safety

Good hygiene and cleaning practices significantly reduce the spread and transmission of the coronavirus. Enhanced hygiene and cleaning practices must be implemented, rigorously followed, and validated.

Cleaning

An enhanced cleaning schedule must be implemented. Communal areas, toilets, touchpoints, shared resources and handwashing facilities must be cleaned and sanitised regularly. A senior person must be responsible for validating and recording cleaning schedules.

Hand washing

The rate of handwashing must be significantly increased. All team must wash their hands with soap and water upon each arrival to the nursery and children should be encouraged to do the same. Adequate supplies of soap and paper towels are provided at identified handwash stations. Hand sanitizer should only be used in areas where handwashing facilities with soap, water and paper towels cannot be provided. Hand sanitizer is not required after handwashing with soap and water. A hand sanitizer station will be provided for visitors to use.

Attending more than one setting

At this time we cannot accommodate children who attend more than one setting, unless asked to do so in agreement with the Local Authority. Where this is the case, a full Risk Assessment will be carried out in partnership with both the Local Authority and the other appointed setting.

 
Read Full Version
 

Safe Operating Procedures Updates

 
 

FAQ

Health and Safety

1Why has the Government lifted the restrictions on nursery attendance?
The latest scientific evidence indicates that COVID-19 appears to affect young children less often and with less severity. The role of children in transmission is unclear, but it seems likely that they do not play a significant role. The Department for Education has published detailed guidance which enables nurseries to care for children safely and minimise the risk of transmission of the coronavirus. The design of nurseries as relatively small communities with further subdivided rooms, greatly assists our ability to create distance between groups. The Government has recognised the vital role that nurseries play in education, wellbeing, preparing children for school and supporting families to work.
2What measures are in place to keep children safe?
We have implemented the Government guidance for educational settings to form bespoke Safe Operating Procedures (SOP) to make our nurseries COVID Secure. All parents and team members must read and follow these procedures to keep our community safe. The fundamental principles are to ensure distancing between groups and to implement enhanced hygiene practices.
3When can my child attend the nursery?
England – All nurseries are open and all children are able to attend

Scotland: All Scottish nurseries are going to open their doors for all parents on 22 February 2021

The following nurseries are open from the 11th of January 2021 for key worker childcare only, where most Local Authorities require both parents to be keyworkers.

  • Enchanted Forest Thornliebank
  • Enchanted Forest Robroyston
  • Enchanted Forest Greenock (Open from 18 January)
  • Corner House Nursery Spylaw (Open from 18 January)
  • Happitots Nursery Baillieston
  • Happitots Nursery Bishopbriggs
  • Happitots Nursery Cumbernauld (Open from 18 January)
  • Happitots Nursery Glasgow Airport
  • Kelvinside Kindergarten (open only until 22nd of January 2021, after which it will close permanently)
  • Oranges & Lemons Technology Park Dundee
  • Paint Pots Nursery Perth
    • All Scottish nurseries are going to open their doors for all parents on 22 February 2021. For any new enquiries please email [email protected] to enquire.

Care, Education and Wellbeing

1There have been changes to my child’s routine or requirements during lockdown, how do I let you know?
We understand that two months is a long time for all children, but for our smallest children, there should be some routine changes. We encourage all parents to take some time when you visit the nursery prior to your first day, to update the team and/or manager to ensure any changes to their care routine are updated and followed.
2Will there be changes to the nursery routine?
We will continue to work very hard to avoid any significant changes. Whilst we would like to say that there will be ‘no changes’, given we are operating under a very different set of guiding principles this will not be possible in all nurseries. We will however continue to ensure as best we can, that the relationships and therefore the care routines your children are used to will remain largely unchanged.
3My child has an additional need or disability that requires support, will they still be able to attend?
We want to ensure we keep all children safe under the new measures that we have put in place and so it is vital that we carry out a risk assessment for children where additional support is required. Where we feel the risk is too high under the new measures we have in place, it is possible that some children will not able to return until the risk is reduced. Where this is the case, the nursery will liaise with the local authority to seek further advice and support.

Nursery Attendance

1What nurseries are currently open?
England – All nurseries are open and all children are able to attend

Scotland: All Scottish nurseries are going to open their doors for all parents on 22 February 2021

The following nurseries are open from the 11th of January 2021 for key worker childcare only, where most Local Authorities require both parents to be keyworkers.

  • Enchanted Forest Thornliebank
  • Enchanted Forest Robroyston
  • Enchanted Forest Greenock (Open from 18 January)
  • Corner House Nursery Spylaw (Open from 18 January)
  • Happitots Nursery Baillieston
  • Happitots Nursery Bishopbriggs
  • Happitots Nursery Cumbernauld (Open from 18 January)
  • Happitots Nursery Glasgow Airport
  • Kelvinside Kindergarten (open only until 22nd of January 2021, after which it will close permanently)
  • Oranges & Lemons Technology Park Dundee
  • Paint Pots Nursery Perth
    • All Scottish nurseries are going to open their doors for all parents on 22 February 2021. For any new enquiries please email [email protected] to enquire.
2I am a key worker, how do I arrange childcare?
England – If you are a current parent please contact your nursery direct to arrange your childcare. For any new enquiries for key or non-key workers please email [email protected]

Scotland – From the 11th of January 2021, nurseries referenced above are able to offer childcare to key workers. This applies to families where both parents are key workers in line with current government guidance. For current parents at nurseries that remain closed please contact [email protected] to enquire.
3I am a key worker but my partner is not, how do I arrange childcare?
England – If you are a current parent, please contact your nursery direct to arrange your childcare. For any new enquiries for key or non-key workers, please email [email protected]

Scotland – Government guidance states both parents must be key workers to access childcare provision. We are sadly unable to offer childcare provision where this is not the case. If you are a current parent, your nursery manager will be in touch as soon as a date for re-opening for all children has been confirmed. If you are a new parent, please email [email protected] to enquire.

If you require childcare provision but do not qualify for key worker status, we encourage you to contact your local council.
4I am a non key worker, how do I arrange childcare?
England – If you are a current parent please contact your nursery direct to arrange your childcare. For any new enquiries please email [email protected] Scotland – Currently our nurseries are closed. Any that remain open do so only for key workers in line with current government guidance. If you are a current parent your nursery manager will be in touch as soon as a date for re-opening has been confirmed. If you are a new parent please email [email protected] to enquire.
5How do I increase my childcare sessions?
Please contact your nursery manager direct or via [email protected] if you wish to increase your attendance pattern. We are seeing a high demand for places but we will do all we can to accommodate your needs.
6My needs have changed, and I need to reduce my childcare sessions?
Please contact your nursery manager to vary your attendance. In line with our Terms & Conditions, we will require one months’ notice to implement the change.
7I normally use grandparents (for example) for some childcare and need to increase my hours?
Please contact your nursery manager direct or via [email protected] if you wish to increase your attendance pattern. We anticipate demand for places to be even higher than normal during this summer, but we will do all we can to accommodate your needs. Our managers are now back and able to respond to any current parent queries. You can also contact us via [email protected]
8My needs have changed, and I need to reduce my attendance?
Please contact the nursery manager to vary your attendance. In line with our Terms & Conditions, we will require one months’ notice to implement the change. Our sites are operational and nursery managers are available to respond to parent queries, so we recommend that you please email your nursery directly.
9If you are running at limited capacity, does this mean I will not get a place?
Where we are operating under restricted capacity and where demand is high, we may not be able to offer full or partial nursery provision to all our families, this includes current parents or new enquiries. We will endeavour to manage enquiry volumes as best we can on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are a current parent please contact your nursery manager directly or for new enquiries/bookings please email [email protected]
10Hours of Operation
England – Normal opening hours apply.

Scotland – Sites that remain open for key workers do so on reduced hours. Please contact your nursery manager for information about your nursery’s opening hours.
11Attending more than one setting
At this time we cannot accommodate children who attend more than one setting, unless asked to do so in agreement with the Local Authority. Where this is the case, a full Risk Assessment will be carried out in partnership with both the Local Authority and the other appointed setting.

Fees & Deposits

1When are fees due?
England - Fees will be payable in advance, in line with T&C’s.
Scotland – For sites that remain open for key workers only, fees will be payable in advance, in line with T&C’s for those using our service. For all non-key workers and all key workers not using our service, no fees will apply for January 2021.
2What happens if we cannot attend the nursery due to isolation?
Given testing for Covid-19 is now available, those persons with symptoms should access tests immediately and, where Covid-19 is not detected, they may return to the nursery. However, where Covid-19 has detected the group within the room may be asked to self-isolate according to government advice. We hope to avoid this, but like any period of sickness or for events outside our control, we will need to charge an element of fees to have the nursery ready for your return. If your child has to self-isolate and you are therefore unable to use your childcare space, we will reduce fees by 75%, only charging a 25% retainer. This retainer will enable us to support our teams better and ensure the nursery can be ready for your return. For any prolonged periods of isolation over and above 14 days, we advise you to contact your nursery manager. We will endeavour to look at individual cases where possible.
3What happens if the country goes into lockdown again?
Bertram Nursery Group were pleased to be able to suspend fees for April and May where the Government restricted attendance at nursery. Should ‘Local Lockdown’ be enforced we will need to follow government advice. For any future significant period of non-attendance but would review this based on the situation and government guidance and support.
4Where can I pay my fees?
Fees can be paid for all nurseries at Payments at Bertram Nursery Group

England – Fees can also be taken by card payment by contacting your nursery direct. Scotland – Sites that remain open for key workers are able to take card payments for all of their parents. Please contact your nursery direct to make a payment.

New Enquiries

1Can I view the nursery?
Sadly due to current restrictions, we are unable to offer nursery visits. All nurseries are pleased to be able to offer phone of face time calls with our nursery managers to discuss your childcare needs and provide you with any information on their nursery. If you would like to arrange a call with one or more of our nursery managers please email [email protected] to enquire.
2How to I register for a place if I do not currently attend a Bertram Nursery?
We are still accepting bookings for all of our nurseries. If you would like to book a place at one of our nurseries please email [email protected] with your request and we will be happy to send you registration forms to your email inbox to complete to secure your place.
3I booked to start in 2021 is my place still secure?
Yes, your place is secure, and we look forward to welcoming you in 2021. Our nursery manager will be in touch ahead of your start date.
4What if I book and a month later I suddenly no longer require childcare?
We understand in these difficult circumstances it is hard to plan for what childcare you may or may not need. For any parents that register from 1st of January 2021 at any Bertram nursery, no 4 week notice period will be required on termination of childcare. If you no longer require childcare after booking your place, we ask that you give as much notice as possible of this, however, we will consider, by exception, not charging for a 4 week notice period and will accept the termination of your childcare with a 1 week notice period.

Parent Communication

1I don’t appear to be receiving parent communication via email?
We are currently in the process of updating our internal systems to a new improved platform with additional benefits for parents. Whilst updating our systems and the timing of COVID-19 we have found some accounts do not have full or accurate parent contact details. We do apologise for this and we are currently working to ensure all parents receive all communications. Please email us at [email protected] if you are not receiving parent communication via email and we will endeavour to resolve this. Please also find copies of our communication on our website. If you have changed any of your contact details including email, please let your nursery know so we can update our records.
2Updates
We recommend parents follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thebertram.nurserygroup), Twitter (@BertramNG) or Instagram (@bertramnurserygroup) to receive updates on all sites as we announce. We are available through social media to answer any queries you may have.

Updates from our CEO

 
 

Safer Play Groups

A way of grouping children at our nursery, keeping children and staff safe during the time of coronavirus by organising them into small groups and coordinating their routines, their movements, and their use of resources throughout the day. A safer play group will usually consist of children who would usually be in the same playroom/age group and are already known to each other.

Why?

  • Reduce risk of transmission in children and adults
  • Effectively manage instances of COVID-19 in the nursery. If a person tests positive for the virus, only the children and adults in the safer play group will be asked to self-isolate and seek tests where possible
  • Reassure parents as to the control measures we are using within the setting
  • Reassure staff that their health & wellbeing is being planned for daily
  • Provides organisation and clear responsibility for staff in guiding and supporting children
 
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Risk Assessments

Risk assessment for COVID-19 will focus on the questions that need to be asked so that we can create the most effective methodology

Every nursery must go through a risk assessment exercise before we can welcome children and staff in the premises

Before we complete the risk assessment in the nursery, we must ask who is doing what and how, where are they doing it, why are they doing it, and what are they using? Understanding the tasks or activities is vital to assess the exposure and to qualify any subsequent control decisions

We ask a lot of questions while assessing our nurseries: How can we maintain social distancing? Can we use alternative rooms to spread staff and children out? Where are our staff and children more likely to find it difficult to avoid one another such as the toilets, staff rooms, office? Can we phase break times? Can we place additional sanitising units in areas where most people commonly touch, such as handrails, doors, doors entry systems, keypads, iPads, phones, desks, kitchen equipment? 

Cleaning is a vital control and must be high on your priorities: Have we considered how you keep commonly touched surfaces sterile and how more frequently they need to be cleaned? Have we updated the cleaning schedule to ensure all areas are being frequently and thoroughly cleaned? Are you using an effective strength of cleaner to kill the virus? Such as Selgiene Ultra.

Please read the full version of our risk assessment documents 

 
Read Full Version
 

Health & Wellbeing

Mailing List / Contact Us

For all our current parents please let us know if your email has changed or you are not receiving communication by emailing [email protected] Sadly some of our Nursery Managers are still on furlough and as such have no access to their emails.  The central inbox is being monitored so we advise any parents to contact us via this email.

For all new enquiries for England & Scotland – Please email us or enquire through our website. Our nurseries are still taking new bookings as well as voice and facetime calls with our Nursery Managers.

Dear families,

We are pleased to share with you our exciting plans for the future of our nurseries. Bertram Nursery Group has provided a trusted, caring and quality service to thousands of families over two decades.  That isn’t changing, but we want to grow and develop our services, facilities and, most of all, our teams who make our nurseries and kindergartens such inspiring places for children.

That’s why we’re changing our name to Thrive Childcare and Education, because that’s at the heart of what we’re about – helping our children, staff and communities to thrive.

While changing our company name and the names of some of our nurseries is the next step of our development journey, we’ll still have the same dedicated teams caring for your children.

The Covid-19 pandemic has reinforced our belief that we need to adapt and invest in a constantly changing world to continue providing the service that parents and children need, tailored to the communities we support across Scotland and North West England.

Since our foundation, we have acquired some fantastic groups of nurseries and many high-quality independent nurseries. Now we are uniting them under four Thrive groupings:

  • Happitots nurseries will extend beyond Glasgow and South Lanarkshire to provide a network of affordable, flexible nurseries across Scotland.
  • Holyrood nurseries will extend more widely across our network of affordable nurseries in North West England, recognising parents’ and community needs.
  • Corner House nurseries will now extend from Edinburgh to operate more widely across Scotland, providing an extensive range of exciting, extracurricular activities and large outdoor areas.
  • Nature Kindergartens, our new sub-group, will reflect our vision to develop children’s outdoor learning. We plan to expand our Nature Kindergartens network in Scotland and England because we believe children’s learning is greatly enhanced in natural spaces.

 

Click here to visit Thrive Childcare and Education Website