Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Training for Early Years
e-Bug with the UKHSA’s national IPC team and health protection teams are developing a new training programme to support teachers and those who work in Early years and other educational settings in improving infection prevention and control (IPC) practices in schools, particularly during infectious disease outbreaks.
Project Overview
This project addresses a clear need for targeted IPC training following evidence that many teachers have had limited formal training and unmet needs in managing infection risks in educational settings. The project aims to develop an accessible, evidence-based training resource to improve teachers’ knowledge and confidence in preventing and managing the spread of infections in schools.
Key Project Activities
- Needs assessment and research
Reviewing national survey findings, existing resources, and stakeholder input to identify gaps in IPC knowledge and training needs among teachers, early years educators, nursery staff, and registered childminders.
- Training resource development
Designing an IPC training resource informed by end-user input, including a patient and public involvement (PPI) group to ensure relevance and usability.
- User testing and evaluation
Delivering online training to teachers and those who work in various early years settings across England, and assessing improvements in knowledge, confidence, and usability through questionnaires and feedback.
- Refinement and finalisation
Using evaluation findings to improve the training content and delivery before wider rollout.
- National dissemination
Collaborating with public health partners, health protections teams, local authorities, and education stakeholders to roll out the training to schools and other educational settings across England.
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Impact and Purpose
The project aims to strengthen schools and other educational settings’ ability to prevent and respond to infectious disease outbreaks by equipping staff with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to implement effective IPC measures.
Collaboration
This work is delivered in partnership with infection prevention specialists, health protection teams, and educators to ensure the training is practical, relevant, and aligned with current public health guidance.
Looking Ahead
Following testing and refinement, the training will be rolled out nationally, supporting schools to better manage infection risks and protect the health of students, staff, and the wider community.