Maintaining high hygiene standards in nurseries and early years settings is essential for protecting children’s health and wellbeing. Young children explore the world through touch and playing close together, all while still developing their immune systems. This combination makes early years environments particularly susceptible to the spread of germs and infection. When hygiene systems fall short, the impact is immediate – illness spreads quickly, staff are stretched and parents lose confidence.
Government guidance is clear on the importance of effective hand and respiratory hygiene within these settings. However, achieving this consistently relies on more than policy. Most nurseries understand what good hygiene looks like, but the challenge is delivering it consistently, day in, day out. This requires suitable products, well-planned routines and trained cleaning operatives who understand the specific demands of environments where children spend long periods of time – and the right partner to bring those elements together.
Teaching children simple hygiene habits from an early age also plays an important role. Supporting pre-schoolers to wash, rinse and dry their hands properly helps reinforce behaviours that protect both individual children and the wider setting.
While teaching good hygiene habits is essential, a robust hygiene framework with the right partner ensures the environment is always clean and safe.
Choosing the right products for nursery environments
In nurseries, product choice matters. The products used every day come into close contact with children’s hands, skin and surroundings, so they must be effective while remaining suitable for frequent use in child-focused spaces. This is where specialist expertise becomes invaluable. Jangro works with early years settings across the UK, supporting nurseries, nursery groups and education providers in finding the right products to suit their needs.
Jangro’s ntrl range has been developed with environments like nurseries in mind. Formulated with plant-based ingredients and free from unnecessary fragrances, dyes and harsh additives, these products help reduce exposure to irritants while maintaining high hygiene standards.
Children’s skin is thinner and more sensitive than adults’ which can make hand hygiene a challenge. Products such as ntrl Foaming Hand Wash, with added glycerine, help prevent dryness and irritation caused by frequent handwashing, making it easier for staff to encourage good habits without causing discomfort.
For daily cleaning, products like Jangro ntrl All Surface Cleaner effectively remove atmospheric grime, finger marks and general soiling. Its quick-drying, streak-free finish makes it ideal for busy nursery settings where surfaces need to be cleaned and ready for use again quickly. This is particularly important in playrooms and learning spaces where children move continuously between activities.
These products support an effective hygiene programme when used as part of regular cleaning routines, helping nurseries meet essential cleanliness expectations while protecting children and staff alike.
However, everyday cleaning is only one part of a complete hygiene programme. In higher-risk spaces such as nappy changing areas and washrooms, or during periods of increased illness, nurseries require stronger disinfection. In these situations, Jangro Anti Viral Disinfectant provides targeted control against bacteria and viruses when used correctly by trained cleaning operatives.
Using the right product in the right place ensures nurseries maintain high standards of hygiene without exposing children to unnecessary risk. At Jangro, our role is to provide clear guidance and ongoing support on the best products for different scenarios. For procurement leads, this means confidence that the full product range is joined up, appropriate and supported by expert guidance. To learn more about Jangro’s products, check out the full catalogue here: https://www.jangro.net/product-catalogue
The importance of trained cleaning operatives in early years settings
Products alone don’t maintain standards. In early years settings, cleaning operatives must understand infection control, safe chemical use and how to manage high-touch areas. Training ensures products are used correctly and safely, and that routines are followed consistently.
Jangro’s Learning Management Solution (LMS) supports this by offering CPD-accredited online courses covering Infection Control, Colour Coding, COSHH Awareness, Health and Safety and Washroom Hygiene. By investing in this training, nurseries can support cleaning operatives’ development, reduce the risk of errors, help them build consistent routines, and ensure they are confident in using hygiene products effectively to maintain safe environments for children.
Supporting busy nursery groups and multi-site settings
Nursery groups and large early years providers face additional challenges when it comes to hygiene. Consistency across multiple locations, with different teams and high daily footfall, all places added pressure on staff and systems.
Jangro partners with early years providers to support them in maintaining consistent hygiene standards across their estates, acting as a long-term hygiene partner rather than just a supplier.
By working closely with nursery teams, Jangro helps simplify hygiene management through:
- Standardised product ranges suitable for child-occupied spaces
- Clear guidance on where gentler products are appropriate and where targeted disinfectants are needed
- Ongoing access to training for cleaning operatives and facilities teams
- A reliable supply chain that supports continuity across multiple sites
Creating nursery environments children can thrive in and parents can trust
High standards of hygiene are the cornerstone of a safe nursery environment. In early years settings, cleanliness underpins children’s wellbeing, provides reassurance for parents and supports the smooth running of daily operations.
By combining consistent cleaning routines with products that are appropriate for child-occupied spaces, nurseries can maintain safe, clean and inspection-ready environments without unnecessary disruption or complication.
For nurseries looking to tailor their hygiene strategy and work with a partner that understands the realities of early years environments, Jangro offers bespoke ongoing support to recommend solutions that fit specific needs and budgets.
To get in touch with a member of our team, visit: https://www.jangro.net/contact-us