A Liverpool nursery has outlined what its establishment will look like for children post lockdown.
When the government allows nurseries to reopen one facility has explained their plans for keeping children safe - and floor markings are not part of the plan.
But children won't be allowed to play in sandpits or take place in water games and play dough is also off the cards.
Busy Bees nursery has said it will focus on dividing children into close friendship groups, limiting the number of people children come into contact with, reducing the space that children can explore and increasing the time spent outdoors.
All children and staff will have their temperature checked upon arrival, and those families waiting to enter the nursery will be asked to stand two metres apart at drop off and pick up.
Regular temperature checks for both children and team members will continue throughout the day, as will frequent handwashing and disinfecting of communal areas.
The childcare provider aims to keep life as close to normal for children, with staff advised to cuddle their key children if they become upset during the day and to only wear face masks for temperature checks.
Busy Bees also plans to use its safety mascot Safety Buzz to help promote safety, health and wellbeing in all aspects of children's lives both at home and whilst in nursery.
Emily Brimson-Keight, Head of Safety at Busy Bees, said: “There is much speculation about how life after lockdown could look in nurseries and schools, and parents are understandably very anxious.
"The biggest priority for us is, and always will be, the safety, welfare and happiness of the children in our care.
"That’s why we have been working hard behind the scenes to prepare to open all centres, including those in Liverpool, since they first went into lockdown, and we are constantly sharing ideas and looking at best practice to ensure the personal and emotional wellbeing for children and team members when they return.
“We’re committed to providing the best start in life for children, no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in – which is why we’re proud to have kept over 100 centres open to provide crucial care, education and support for the children of key workers during the Covid-19 crisis.
“Now the lockdown is set to be relaxed, we’re keen to offer assurance and debunk the myths about the new normal for parents at this unique time, and are confident our plans ensure the safety and crucially, the development and happiness of children when we welcome them back.”
As part of its plans for life after lockdown, Busy Bees will also continue its ‘school readiness programme, for those children starting school this September using the time they still have left at nursery to prepare them for school.
All of this will be supported by Busy Bees’ digital learning programme Unleashing Potential (UP) which helps to bridge the gap between nursery and home learning.
