6.1 Explain good practice in relation to: • cross infection • food handling • disposal of waste • blood borne or infectious disease

This guide will help you answer 6.1 Explain good practice in relation to: • cross infection • food handling • disposal of waste • blood borne or infectious disease.

Good Practice in Relation to Cross Infection

Cross infection means the passing of harmful germs from one person, surface, or material to another. This might involve bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. In playwork settings this can happen when children share toys, touch common surfaces, or through person-to-person contact during play. Good practice keeps germs from spreading and protects everyone’s health.

To reduce cross infection you can:

• Wash hands often, especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after messy play.
• Use liquid soap and warm water for effective cleaning.
• Dry hands with disposable paper towels instead of shared cloth towels.
• Clean and disinfect toys regularly, especially those used by very young children or those that come into contact with mouths.
• Wipe down high-touch surfaces such as door handles, tables, and play equipment.
• Encourage children to cover their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
• Provide tissues and have bins nearby that they can use straight away.
• Keep children who are ill at home and be clear about exclusion periods for specific illnesses.
• Wear disposable gloves when handling bodily fluids or cleaning up spills.

Young children may not understand the importance of hygiene, so make routines clear, use simple instructions, and model behaviours yourself. Maintaining these habits in the play environment helps stop germs moving between children, staff, and visitors.

Good Practice in Relation to Food Handling

Food handling in playwork often involves snack times, cooking activities, or special events. Mishandling food can lead to food poisoning, allergic reactions, or contamination. Good food handling practices protect children and staff from harm.

Key practices include:

• Always wash hands before handling food.
• Tie back long hair and avoid touching hair, face, or mobile phones when preparing food.
• Clean all food preparation areas before and after use.
• Use separate chopping boards for raw and cooked foods to avoid cross contamination.
• Keep raw meat away from ready-to-eat foods.
• Store food at correct temperatures and check fridge and freezer temperatures daily.
• Follow package instructions for storage and cooking.
• Check use-by dates before serving.
• Avoid serving food that has been left out for long periods.
• Use clean utensils for serving and never reuse equipment without washing it first.
• Use gloves or utensils when handling food that will not be cooked before it is eaten.

Allergy awareness is part of good food practice. This means knowing which children have allergies, reading ingredient labels carefully, and preventing cross contact between foods. Having an allergy management plan in place and training all staff to follow it can prevent serious incidents.

Good Practice in Relation to Disposal of Waste

Waste in playwork settings can include general rubbish, food scraps, paper waste, nappies, and materials contaminated with bodily fluids. Poor disposal can spread germs, attract pests, and create unpleasant smells.

Good practice involves:

• Separating waste types where needed, such as recycling paper and plastics.
• Using bins with lids in areas where germs may spread, such as near nappy changing stations or in kitchens.
• Emptying bins regularly before they overflow.
• Lining bins with disposable bags and replacing liners when bins are emptied.
• Cleaning and disinfecting bins often to remove residue and germs.
• Wearing gloves when handling waste that may be contaminated.
• Double bagging nappies and other sanitary waste before disposal.
• Following local authority guidelines for hazardous waste disposal.

For sharp objects such as needles or broken glass, use a designated sharps container and never place them in general waste. This protects staff and children from injury and infection. Always keep waste bins away from play areas, and ensure children cannot access them.

Good Practice in Relation to Blood Borne or Infectious Disease

Blood borne diseases spread through contact with infected blood. Examples include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Infectious diseases can be passed through other bodily fluids such as saliva, urine, vomit, or mucus, or through airborne droplets.

In playwork settings, risk may arise from cuts, nosebleeds, or accidents. Good practice helps prevent transmission.

Key actions include:

• Treat all blood and bodily fluids as potentially infectious.
• Wear disposable gloves when dealing with any injury that involves blood or fluids.
• Use disposable aprons if there is a risk of splashing.
• Clean the wound on yourself or the child only if trained and only with appropriate supplies.
• Stop any bleeding by applying pressure using a clean cloth or sterile dressing.
• Dispose of gloves, dressings, and cleaning materials in sealed bags.
• Clean and disinfect any contaminated surfaces immediately with suitable cleaning products.
• Wash hands thoroughly after dealing with any incident.
• Cover your own cuts or broken skin with waterproof plasters to reduce risk of entry points for infections.
• Have first aid kits that are fully stocked with protective equipment.

It is helpful to have clear exclusion policies for certain infectious diseases. For example, children with vomiting or diarrhoea should stay home until 48 hours after symptoms end. Staff should be aware of statutory guidance for infectious disease control and follow it closely. Vaccination where appropriate, such as for hepatitis B if risk is assessed to be high, can help protect staff.

Integrating Good Practice Across All Areas

Good practice in cross infection, food handling, waste disposal, and controlling infectious diseases all link to a safe environment. These practices do not work in isolation. Hygiene habits in one area support safety in another. For example, handwashing reduces risks in both food handling and cross infection control. Waste disposal helps reduce contamination in kitchens and play areas.

Staff training is key. Training needs to cover:

• Daily cleaning routines
• Food hygiene rules
• How and when to use protective equipment
• Recording and reporting illness
• Safe disposal methods for different waste types

Clear procedures should be in place and be followed consistently. Children can be introduced to age-appropriate hygiene routines so they take part in keeping the environment safe.

Practical Tips for Playwork Settings

• Keep cleaning supplies and protective equipment readily available.
• Use pictorial reminders for children about handwashing and hygiene.
• Establish designated eating areas separate from play zones.
• Train new staff as soon as they start work.
• Encourage children to help with tidying and cleaning toys where suitable.
• Record incidents involving blood or infectious material as part of health and safety records.
• Schedule regular deep cleaning sessions, especially during high illness periods such as winter.
• Communicate with parents about sickness policies and hygiene expectations.

These steps make good practice part of everyday routines rather than something only done when a problem arises.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining good practice in cross infection control, food handling, waste disposal, and managing blood borne or infectious diseases is not just about meeting compliance standards. It is about protecting the children, staff, and wider community from avoidable harm. In playwork settings, where children interact closely and share resources, germs can spread quickly if habits slip. Small actions, such as handwashing or cleaning equipment, make a big difference over time.

By following clear procedures, keeping equipment and environments clean, and responding quickly to incidents, you create a safer space for both children and adults. Staff who lead by example set the tone for good hygiene and safety. When these practices become part of the daily rhythm of the setting, they help everyone enjoy play in a healthy and welcoming environment.