Hand washing is one of the easiest ways to protect your children from flu's and viruses.

Children should wash their hands:

*After using the toilet or having their nappy changed.

*Before eating, drinking or handling food.

*After coughing, sneezing or blowing their nose.

*After touching pets at home or outside of the home.

*After playing outdoors.

 The current NHS guidelines for effective hand washing are listed below:

1. Wet your hands with water.

2. Apply enough soap to cover your hands.

3. Rub your hands together.

4. Use 1 hand to rub the back of the other hand and clean in between the fingers. Do the same with the other hand. 

5. Rub your hands together and clean in between your fingers.

6. Rub the back of your fingers against your palms.

7. Rub your thumb using your other hand. Do the same with the other thumb.

8. Rub the tips of your fingers on the palm of your other hand. Do the same with other hand.

9. Rinse your hands with water.

10. Dry your hands completely with a disposable towel.

11. Use the disposable towel to turn off the tap.

Take a look at these fun rhymes with your children!  They will help your children to understand the importance of hand washing and remember how to wash their hands effectively.