Publication - Advice and guidance
Coronavirus (COVID-19): residential and secure childcare
Guidance for residential children’s houses, residential schools, secure care, and residential respite/short break facilities on staffing, social distancing and self-isolation.
Overview
This guidance is for organisations and their staff working in residential children’s houses, residential schools, secure care and residential respite/short break services for children and young people. It supports the management of these services, taking account of local guidance and the public health guidance.
Managers and staff should make themselves familiar with COVID-19 advice available from Health Protection Scotland and the NHS Scotland National Infection Prevention and Control Manual, and regularly review that information. Please note: Due to ongoing changes in the public health response to the COVID-19 situation it is important that the most up-to-date guidance is used, and that managers and staff are knowledgeable about current guidance. Always access guidance online wherever possible and check regularly for any updated advice.
The NHS Scotland National Infection Prevention and Control Manual which sets out best practice for infection prevention and control for all children’s residential settings is at: NHS Scotland National Infection Prevention and Control Manual: Winter (21/22), Respiratory Infections in Health and Care Settings Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Addendum (scot.nhs.uk).
The NHS inform website is Scotland's national health information service. It has the latest guidance about COVID-19 from NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government at https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19. You can also sign up to Public Health Scotland’s guidance email updates to receive the latest guidance updates and ensure that you have the most recent version at: Subscribe to COVID-19 health protection updates - COVID-19 health protection guidance - COVID-19 - Our areas of work - Public Health Scotland.
Measures put in place to comply with this guidance must not contravene health and safety legislation, for example, fire doors must not be left ajar to increase ventilation. If a provider requires advice on any elements of health and safety and how this may affect any planned modifications to the service, they can find out more from the Health and Safety Executive or should seek independent advice. Any measures put in place must also not contravene occupiers’ liability legislation or any other legal obligations which relate to the safety of property and those who access it. Providers should seek independent advice on those matters where required.