The Worcestershire Hand Washing Strategy is full of engaging ideas for primary schools
Keeping hands clean and being able to wash effectively is perhaps one of the most important lessons a child can learn – and it will last them a lifetime!
One of the best collections of resources for primary schools that we’ve come across is the Worcestershire Handwashing Strategy: primary schools, which is also suitable for younger, preschool children.
The introduction to the free to download and use PDF document, sets the scene by stating that “keeping our hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid becoming ill and spreading germs to others”. It lists the spread of many types of illness that can be minimised including COVID-19, norovirus, colds and flu.
Many are tempted to substitute the “quick fix” deployment of hand sanitisers instead of good old-fashioned soap and water. But this is a tactic that should not be followed says the guidance, which reveals that they do not provide protection against, for example, norovirus and gastroenteritis.
“Hand sanitisers should be used in addition to washing with soap and water and only as an alternative when soap and water is not available.”
Engaging hand hygiene lessons and activities
The guidance offers information on when hands should be washed, and – equally importantly – how hands should be washed. After all, if they’re not cleaned effectively, it minimises the benefit of the activity.
Useful practical tips, may on the face of it, be fairly obvious, but without taking them into account, the benefit of hand washing lessons can be significantly reduced.
“Make hand washing as accessible as possible.”
After all, if kids cannot get and a hand washing facility easily, they’re far less likely to use it when they need to.
There are links to many useful online resources from KS1 – 4. And some of the recommended activities are both fun and memorable for younger children.
Experiments and activities include, for example, “Soap in action”, “Frozen hands” and “Real science: glitter germs experiment”. There are instructions on how to make your own soap – and the “Potato experiment” for Key Sage 2 pupils is great fun!
Let’s keep washing those hands!
Worcestershire Handwashing Strategy: primary schools »
Encourage hand washing – MORE free resources to download!
Below you will find links to a number of Kiddiwash hand washing themed PDF documents that will help to educate and entertain the children in your care. They are free to use and distribute for everyone. Keep coming back – more will be added from time to time!
Free learning resources to download »
We hope that you have many hours of happy learning!
A child washing hands with a KiddiSynk mobile sink
Mobile hand wash units for children can be used indoors and out
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 whether inside or out.
