Blog, Schools and nurseries
Excellent hand washing lessons learned by Torbay pre-school pupils
Dec
UV light and gel demonstrates how dirty kids’ hands really are
Hand washing really often described as “the most important lesson a child can learn“ – with good reason. Not only will it help protect them from illness for a lifetime, it will also help protect those around them. And these days, there is another, equally compelling reason – the “overuse of antimicrobials, which include antibiotics and antivirals” – something which was explained in a recent report on the Torbay Today website.
The article by Jim Parker explained that pupils at Holy Angels Pre-school in Torbay were one of a number of educational establishments that made use of a special hand washing training kit in order to see just how effective – or otherwise – their attempts at soap and water handwashing actually were.
Public Health Consultant at Torbay Council, Julia Chisnell, explained in the report how the kit worked. Firstly, they put on some special hand gel, then position their hands under the UV light in the lightbox she explained. Then, they go away and make full use of the soap and water, washing their hands thoroughly. But when they come back and put their hands under the UV light for a second time, they are able to see the parts of their hands that they’ve missed, which shows them how to improve their technique.
And, points out Ms Chisnell, there is a long term benefit of this approach.
“The children have been loving it and are great ambassadors for handwashing.”
This was just one element of a wider initiative undertaken by Torbay Council’s public health team in order to mark Antimicrobial Resistance Week the purpose of which, is explained on the World Health Organization Organization website.
“Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.”
Many other preschools joined in across the region, according to the Council’s press release. It quotes Torbay’s cabinet member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, Councillor Hayley Tranter, who said
“Practising effective handwashing is an excellent way to ward off infections and there’s no better time to get into good habits than when you’re young. I’m so pleased the public health team has been bringing this message to our youngest and most receptive residents.”
See the Torbay council AMR week – handwashing video »
Pupils at Torbay schools get to grips with best ways to wash their hands »
Teal produces portable hand washing sinks that are idea for preschool and nursery children including the KiddiSynk and KiddiWash, which can be used equally effectively indoor or out.
The Teal range of mobile sinks includes the MediWash, Hygienius and Hygienius ProWash, BigSynk, Super Stallette, TEALwash, Handeman Xtra, Compact Classic, HandSpa, CliniWash – and now the new WashStand Xtra.