Praise for Hyde nursery through pandemic

A Hyde nursery has provided an insight into the many changes it has had to make as it continued to provide childcare for key workers during the pandemic.

Amy Wood, 31, from Gee Cross, is managing director at Hyde’s ABC Nursery, and said the nursery has been able to remain open throughout lockdown, taking care of a small number of children to support the families of essential workers.

ABC is now slowly welcoming more children back as part of a phased opening and have found families to be extremely supportive in what the nursery has been doing.

A lot of families have been cautious about sending their children back to nursery but staff kept in touch during lockdown, encouraging daily activities to boost learning and development.

Amy added: “Reassurance is vital if parents are going to feel comfortable enough about sending their children back to nursery.”

Initially it was a challenge to deal with the changing situation, but Amy and the team at ABC Nursery put risk assessments and checks in place to minimise the risk as much as possible.

Amy said: “One of the most interesting changes we have made is the increased use of our outdoor play area. We researched what had been done in other countries following government advice and decided one of the safest measures would be to use our outdoor space. And since lockdown began we haven’t had a single case of Covid-19.”

Parents can also view videos showing how the facility has changed and other safety precautions implemented, like social distancing signs and hand sanitising locations which have been installed.

The nursery has been supported by multiple Tameside Council teams during the pandemic, supplying PPE and business support.

Amy was looking forward to a special celebration for the nursery this year. 

She said: “This was our 10 year anniversary and while we weren’t expecting this situation, the experience has brought our long-standing team closer together. It’s also made us realise that if you do things right and to the best of your ability your community will support you.”

Amy added: “Everyone has shown true community spirit and during an unprecedented time it has been heart-warming to see.”