Links to teaching resources for Early Years and Keystages 1 and 2 are included
The new school year is upon us once again. And there’s something that should be a very high priority for preparing young children for their new or even first ever term at preschool, nursery or junior school.
Teaching them effective hand washing, according to a recent report on the Irish Sun website.
The HSE in Ireland has taken to its social media accounts to explain how soap and water hand washing – described as “proper hand hygiene” can help pupils and staff to avoid many types of unpleasant infections, writes article author Emma Kilcawley Hemani.
Soap and water hand washing is very much the preferred method of hand hygiene, with the report including a seven step hand washing guide, which should take around twenty seconds to complete.
With this in mind, “Parents are being urged to encourage hand washing regularly” says the article – with the hugely positive benefit being that it helps significantly to reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria – with examples given including norovirus, Covid-19, colds and flu.
Alcohol based sanitisers, though quite useful as an alternative when soap and water washing is not available, are also highly inflammable warns the report.
Wonderful resources for the teaching of hand washing!
HSE has also provided a link to “a great resource for tips on how to keep your hands clean”.
It recommends e-Bug, which is operated by the UK Health Security Agency.
“The guidance recommends the use of e-Bug to support students in adopting behaviours that can help create a safer environment for all.”
- Teaching resources for Early Years includes lesson plans that “are designed to complement the Early Years Foundation Stage framework”.
- Key Stage 1 Teaching Resources are “designed to complement the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1”.
- Key Stage 2 Teaching Resources for students aged 7-11 years, helps to “build on their learnings around microbes and hand, respiratory, and oral hygiene”.
HSE reveals top tips to avoid infections as school term begins – including proper hand hygiene »
Mobile children’s handwashing units
Teach children effective hand washing techniques with mobile sinks that can go anywhere – indoors or 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, (left) or the ultra portable Kiddiwash Xtra (right), you can ensure that all children in your care are able to wash their hands whether inside or out.
