Coronavirus safety and hygiene course for nannies

Published: 13/03/2020

Are you a parent or a nanny concerned about coronavirus safety and hygiene?

Then this practical (and free!) course is for you! It covers coronavirus basics, how to manage coronavirus when around children and babies, and more...

Complete these four course modules and take the short test at the end to see how you stack up. You may also want to ask the older children in your care to give it a go. If you pass, we'll give you a certificate to put on your CV!

Module 1: Coronavirus basics (read on...)

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Coronavirus symptoms and severity of symptoms can vary greatly. The main symptoms to look out for are a high temperature (or fever), a new and continuous cough and a loss of taste or smell.

These symptoms can also apply to much more common illnesses such as a cold or the flu. So, if you are displaying these symptoms it doesn’t necessarily mean you have the coronavirus

What should I do if I, or a member of the family I'm working with, has the symptoms?

If you or your nanny have any coronavirus symptoms, or are contacted through the NHS Track and Trace app, self-isolate and visit NHS 111 online for the most up-to-date guidelines.

How do I avoid catching or spreading coronavirus?

These five preventative measures will reduce the chances of you catching coronavirus or spreading it:

Wash your hands frequently

Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water to kill viruses that may be on your hands. You should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, or for as long as it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice! Use hand sanitiser as a last resort. As a minimum you should wash your hands every time you enter your house and just before you leave. When out and about, use hand sanitiser regularly.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. That’s why you’re advised to wash your hands often. If your hands are contaminated, they can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose, or mouth and from there the virus can enter your body.

Practice respiratory hygiene

Make sure you and the people around you follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your bent elbow when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the tissue immediately. Covering your nose or mouth with your hand isn’t enough of a barrier.

Maintain social distance

If you need to go outside and are exposed to people who are not living in your household, try to maintain at least 2 metres distance between you. When someone coughs or sneezes, they will spray small liquid droplets form their nose which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets and catch the virus. If keeping a 2m distance is not possible, aim to keep a distance of 1m plus with additional preventative measures (e.g. wearing a face mask when outside of the home).

Wear a face mask when out and about

Masks are now mandatory in shops and on public transport, so both you and your nanny should wear a mask when out and about. To avoid any awkward situations, make sure you have a stash of masks with you at all times, unless you are exempt due to health reasons. For full government guidelines on masks, click here.

Will wearing a face mask protect me from catching the coronavirus?

While face masks don't protect you from getting COVID, they can help reduce the chance of the virus being passed to others if you are asymptomatic (not showing any symptoms). If you’re showing symptoms, or have been diagnosed, wearing a mask can also help protect others.

Module 2: Managing coronavirus when working with babies and children (watch the video...)

Module 3: Practical advice in the home (let's recap...)

  • Wash your hands frequently and for 20 seconds minimum
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Don't shake hands, hug or kiss
  • Cough or sneeze into a paper tissue or the crook of your elbow
  • Don't share plates, glasses or utensils and wash them well with hot, soapy water immediately after use
  • Don't blow on a child's food to cool it down
  • Use disposable cloths or paper towels where possible
  • Don't share towels and wash at 60C+
  • Wash sheets and bedding at 60C+ – at least once a week for adults and every three days for children

Module 4: In-person meetings

If you are family continuing to employ a nanny or a nanny continuing to work, please pay attention to these guidelines re: in-person meetings:

When you arrive at the house:

  1. Take your shoes off
  2. Ask for the bathroom to wash your hands
  3. Don't shake hands, hug or kiss - when you come in, or when you leave
  4. Ask for permission to hold or play with the children
  5. If you do cough or sneeze, use a paper tissue, or the crook of your elbow, then go wash your hands again
  6. Wash your hands again before you leave the house

Congratulations, you've completed the course! Now, let's test your knowledge...

Good luck!

Take the test

Now you know the practical ways you can manage coronavirus, but what does this pandemic mean for nanny employment? We have answered your most frequently asked questions here.


Tamarins are monkeys who parent in family groups – like a village – helping each other while children are small.

Are you ready to join our village?

Parents sign up here to begin your nanny search.

Nannies sign up here to find your next family. Alternatively, you can send your CV to hello@mytamarin.com and we will be in touch!

Similar articles

Close