Infections spread in a predictable way, and the everyday routines of a nursery decide how far an illness travels. This infection control course for early years staff shows how germs move from one person to the next and where you can break the chain, from handwashing and cleaning to exclusion periods, outbreaks and PPE. It is grounded in the UKHSA guidance for education and childcare settings.
Why infection control matters in the early years
Young children’s immune systems are still developing. They share toys, cups and laps, explore by mouthing, and need help with toileting, which brings staff into contact with bodily fluids many times a day. They can’t yet cover a cough or wash their own hands, so practitioners act as their immune defences until they learn. For babies, children with long-term health conditions and those who are immunosuppressed, an infection that gives a healthy toddler a mild cold can make them seriously unwell.
Under the EYFS statutory framework, settings have a duty to keep children safe and to promote their health and welfare. A robust approach to infection prevention and control is a key part of meeting that duty, and Ofsted will expect to see it working in practice: in your policies, your routines and the knowledge of your staff.
What’s in the course
- The chain of infectionHow germs travel from one person to another, and why young children are especially vulnerable.
- Hand hygieneThe key moments, a 20-second technique, the limits of alcohol gel, and helping children wash well.
- Cleaning, disinfection and spillagesThe difference between cleaning and disinfecting, colour coding, COSHH and a calm spillage routine.
- Managing outbreaks and exclusion periodsThe 48-hour rule, using the UKHSA exclusion table, and what to do when several children fall ill.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)When to wear gloves and aprons, putting them on and taking them off safely, and common mistakes.
- Following UKHSA guidanceUsing the national guidance as your trusted source, plus immunisation awareness, animals and staff illness.
- Assessment10 questions. Pass mark 80%. Resit as many times as you need.
What you’ll learn
- The links in the chain of infection, and why breaking any one of them stops an infection spreading
- The key handwashing moments, and how to wash with soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds, covering thumbs, fingertips and nails
- Why alcohol gel is a backup only: it does not reliably kill norovirus or remove visible dirt
- How to use disinfectant properly: clean first, dilute exactly as the label says and leave it wet for the stated contact time
- How to use colour-coded cloths and store chemicals safely under COSHH, and why you never mix products
- A step-by-step routine for spillages of blood, vomit, urine or faeces
- The 48-hour rule after diarrhoea or vomiting, for children and staff, and when to contact your local UKHSA health protection team
- Why gloves and aprons are single-use, how to take them off safely, and why handwashing still follows
Who this course is for
- Practitioners in every room, especially those who change nappies, serve food or clean up
- Room leaders and managers who write the infection control policy and cleaning schedule
- Cooks and anyone who prepares or handles food
- New starters and bank staff as part of induction
- Childminders
How it works
- OnlineStudy on any device and pick up where you left off.
- 6 short lessonsAbout 45 minutes in total.
- 10-question assessmentPass mark 80%. Resit as many times as you need.
- CertificateIssued when you pass. NFAQ accredited.
Training your team
Infection control only works when every adult follows the same routine, including bank staff and new starters, so consider training the whole team. Choose the number of learners at checkout, with group rates from 3 learners, or get it as part of the Training Portal for £5 per learner per month. Related courses: COSHH (Level 2) and Nappy Changing and Intimate Care.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a child stay away after sickness or diarrhoea?
Until 48 hours after their last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting, however well they seem. The same rule applies to staff, including anyone who handles food.
Is hand gel as good as handwashing?
No. Alcohol gel is useful when you are away from a sink, but it does not reliably kill norovirus and does not remove visible dirt. After nappy changing, toileting or cleaning up bodily fluids, always use soap and running water.
How do we know how long to exclude for other illnesses?
Check the current UKHSA exclusion table each time rather than relying on memory. As an example, chickenpox usually means staying away until all the spots have crusted over, and some conditions need no exclusion at all.
What counts as an outbreak?
An unusual number of people with the same illness at the same time. Two or more children with similar symptoms in a short period may be a sign. Step up cleaning and hand hygiene, record who is affected, contact your local UKHSA health protection team and keep parents informed.
What happens if I don’t pass the assessment?
You can resit it as many times as you need until you pass. Your certificate is issued as soon as you reach the 80% pass mark.
Will this help at Ofsted?
Ofsted does not approve training providers. Inspectors will expect to see infection control working in your policies, routines and staff knowledge, and the certificate is evidence that training was completed.
