Infection Prevention & Control in Education

Course Overview

Schools are common sites for the transmission of infections. Everyone who works in an education setting has a duty of care to their colleagues, and the children and young people in their care, to reduce this risk. With the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has never been more important to have a refresher on the principles and practice of infection prevention and control. In this course you will learn how infections are transmitted and the steps that you can take to prevent this happening. It also includes measures to control infection should it occur. This course was written in partnership with the School and Public Health Nurses Association (SAPHNA).

Module one covers
an overview of the chain of infection, including:

• infectious agents, eg bacteria,
  viruses, fungi and parasites
• sources of infection 
• portal of exit – how the source of
  infection leaves the body 
• means of transmission – how
  cross-infection takes place 
• portal of entry – how the source of
  infection enters the body
• susceptible persons
• defences against infection
• how the body protects itself
• factors affecting the risk of
  transmission.

Module two covers
ways of breaking the chain of infection including:

• hand hygiene
• social distancing
• respiratory hygiene
• personal protective equipment (PPE)
• cleaning and disinfection
• waste bagging and storage.

The course has two modules with two multiple-choice
questionnaires and has additional resources to expand learning.

This course is suitable for everyone working in an education
setting.