Identify how to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in children

Microbes live everywhere, especially in childcare settings where children play together at close quarters. They come in all shapes and sizes – and not all are harmful.

On this course, you’ll discover what germs are and how they spread, looking at simple ways of stopping infections spreading. You’ll learn practical tips on keeping early years settings safe.

You’ll reflect on the importance of antibiotics and identify what antibiotic resistance is and how we can prevent it, exploring the ways you can protect children from infectious diseases – including proper use of antibiotics and vaccinations.

What topics will you cover?

Introduction to microbes, hand hygiene, and respiratory hygiene
Food hygiene, cleaning the environment, vaccination, and antibiotic use

Who is this accredited by?

Royal College of Pathologists:

The Royal College of Pathologists is a professional membership organisation with charitable status, concerned with all matters relating to the science and practice of pathology.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

Explain that microbes live everywhere, come in different shapes and sizes, and there are useful and harmful microbes.
Demonstrate how infection can spread through our hands, coughs and sneezes and identify the correct times and ways to wash hands.
Demonstrate how microbes can spread through food or unclean kitchen surfaces.
Apply techniques to prevent the spread of infection on surfaces in a childcare or nursery setting.
Explain why vaccination for children is important and identify reliable sources for information on vaccination.
Reflect on the importance of antibiotics and explain what antibiotic resistance is and how we can prevent it.

Who is the course for?

This course is aimed at anyone who works with or cares for infants and young children (under the age of 4 years). This includes nursery nurses, daycare staff, childminders, and carers.

What do people say about this course?

It was really easy to learn and remember and I really enjoyed it.

"This course was amazing. It was so informative and I have learnt so much more content than I thought I would. It was really easy to learn and remember and I really enjoyed it. Thank you."

Megan Duffin-Mills

Who will you learn with?

Angela Baker

Angela is an experienced and competent public health consultant who has worked across every level of the NHS, within local government and nationally within Public Health England.

Who developed the course?

BSAC

Founded in 1971, the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy is committed to addressing the growing threat of drug resistant infections around the world.

UK Health Security Agency

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is responsible for planning, preventing and responding to external health threats by providing intellectual, scientific and operational leadership at national and local level, as well as on the global stage. UKHSA is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Learning on FutureLearn

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Join a global classroom

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Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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