Heartbeat: Nursery provides essential support to key workers during pandemic

August 4, 2020

As people across the UK have been trying to hold onto a sense of normality since lockdown began in March, one place that has provided a sense of familiarity throughout has been Sandwell’s children’s nursery.

Sandwell nursery, like all other services, has had to adapt how they operate and quickly too. In Sandwell there are over 100 nurseries, however, only 28 remained open during the pandemic. With up to 39 children of NHS and key workers attending daily, the team have thrived on the challenge. They have continued to offer this essential service meaning many colleagues and community workers can continue to work where they are needed the most.

Emma Collier, Sandwell Day Nursery Manager, told us: “I am so proud of the team and how they have come together during COVID-19. They have worked extremely hard and, we have taken on 30 additional children in emergency places. This includes several school-age children and children with no nursery experience who are normally looked after by relatives. Despite all of this, the nursery has opened as normal from 7.15 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday as well as opening over three bank holidays.

“Six of the emergency place parents have asked for permanent places with us and many of the parents say their children ask to come to their new nursery. The feedback we have received from parents about the care provided and the support the hospital has given to our staff has been lovely and appreciated by everyone”.

Opening during a pandemic has not been without its challenges. Emma told us: “The team have had to ensure that children have remained socially distant while in our care, as well as deep cleaning the nursery throughout and being vigilant with the children and their hand hygiene. The team have stepped up and ensured that the children in their care can attend nursery every day without noticing any considerable differences aside from a few new faces.”

The nursery has made a conscious effort to keep in touch with children who haven’t been able to attend nursery. The team have a Facebook group and app that they actively use to share information.

Emma explained: “We have been posting activities for children to do at home, we have offered to post out worksheets, done dance videos and posted online messages to the children at home. We wanted to let them all know we are still here and missing them all.”

The team are looking forward to welcoming children back. In preparation for this, they have painted the nursery throughout and decorated the outdoors too. Emma remarked: “It has been a testing time for everyone, but the team have made working through this pandemic a positive experience. I am thankful to work alongside such a dedicated team of people.”