Coronavirus Email

Dear Parent,

As we are all thinking about the arrival of Coronavirus in Ireland, and what it might mean, I thought it would be useful to send you an email concerning my plans for my childminding service.  My aim as your childminder is to do my very best to keep your family and my family as safe as possible, in this current situation.  

How I plan to do this is thorough the following:

Everyone coming into the house is required to wash his or her hands with soap and hot water. I will provide paper towels.  Here is a link to a very good explanation as to why good hand washing is so important (please excuse some of the wording but the message is effective) https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10221802228786415&id=1277876636

In addition, to advise you that my Quarantine Policy is advised by the HSE, who have stated that those at risk are the following:

·         Anyone who has been to an affected region in the last 14 days AND is experiencing symptoms

·         Anyone who has been in close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in the last 14 days AND is experiencing symptoms

If you are in this At Risk group or displaying symptoms, I am asking you not to attend, or send your children to my service until you are medically cleared to do so.

In relation to payment for childminding services, I am aware that some parents will be paid, if they become unwell or have to self-isolate.  If this were the case, then I would expect to be paid, as normal. However, I understand that some parents may only receive illness benefit and I would ask if this is the case, please call me to discuss, so that we can work out a fair arrangement.

I am not intending to close my service unless instructed by the HSE.

As the situation is changing day by day, I am in ongoing contact with Childminding Ireland who are keeping me up to date on current best practise advice.

With very best wishes.

Yours sincerely