Back to school – why teaching hand washing is so important

Back to school – why teaching hand washing is so important

Public Health Agency advises use of soap and water hand hygiene for youngsters

Young children across the UK are heading back to school – or even starting preschool and nursery for the first time. Parents and carers in Northern Ireland have been alerted to the importance of teaching effective hand washing techniques to kids, according to a recent report on the Derry Now website.

The awareness raising has been initiated by the Public Health Agency (PHA), according to the article, which quotes a Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, Dr Philip Veal, as saying

“Schools can be a common breeding ground for germs and bugs so it is important to take steps to reduce the risk of picking up or spreading germs to others”.

The report’s main focus is on the teaching and implementation of effective hand washing techniques – and that a combined aand co-ordinated approach at home and in the classroom is essential.

“Parents and schools can help reduce the spread of germs by encouraging kids to practise good personal hygiene by washing hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after using the toilet and before eating.”

Tips issued to help Derry kids avoid those dreaded back to school germs »

 


Teach hand washing to children anywhere – whether it’s in school or on a field trip!

Hand washing is the most important lesson a child can learn and acquiring it is an essential lifelong skill.

A Kiddiwash Xtra or KiddiSynk portable hand washing sink can be positioned right next to the sand pit – helping to ensure that children dramatically reduce the risk of infection as they finish play.

The Kiddiwash range of warm water hand wash units are perfect for smaller hands – and are ideal where a portable solution is required.

Whether you require a larger wheeled unit such as the KiddiSynk, or the ultra portable Kiddiwash Xtra, you can ensure that all children in your care are able to wash their hands inside or out.

Children at the Old Fire Station Nursery try out their new KiddiWash portable sink