Infection prevention and control

Learning outcomes

• Describe the chain of infection and how to break it
• Perform hand hygiene to the correct standard and know when it is required
• Select and remove PPE safely
• Deal with spillages of blood and bodily fluids correctly

Module 1 of 3

How infection spreads

Infection needs a source, a route out, a way of travelling, a way in and a person who can be affected. Break any single link and transmission stops. In a home shared by children and staff, the most common route is hands and frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, remotes, taps and phones.

Children with complex health needs, unimmunised children and staff who are pregnant or immunosuppressed are more vulnerable. Good practice is universal — treat all blood and bodily fluids as potentially infectious rather than making assumptions about individuals.

Module 2 of 3

PPE and cleaning

Gloves and aprons are single use and single task. Change them between children and between tasks, and wash hands after removal — gloves are not a substitute for hand hygiene. Remove PPE in the order gloves, apron, then hands, so you do not contaminate yourself.

Spillages of blood, vomit, urine or faeces should be dealt with immediately using the spillage kit, disposed of in the correct waste stream and the area cleaned then disinfected. Record any incident where a child or staff member was exposed to another person's blood or bodily fluid.

Module 3 of 3

Outbreaks and exclusion

If two or more people in the home develop diarrhoea and vomiting within 48 hours, treat it as a possible outbreak: inform the manager, increase cleaning, avoid moving children between areas, and follow UKHSA exclusion guidance — normally 48 hours clear of symptoms before returning to school or work.

Staff must not attend work while infectious. Reporting your own symptoms honestly protects the children you support.