CHILDHOOD ILLNESS AND INFECTION CONTROL POLICY

LITTLE WONDERLAND NURSERY POLICY FOR CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES AND INFECTION CONTROL. 

 

 

RATIONALE 

At little Wonderland Nursery, we are committed to promoting the health and well-being of all children in our care. We take proactive measures to prevent the spread of illness and infection and ensure that any child who becomes unwell at nursery is treated with sensitivity, dignity, and care.

PURPOSE

This policy outlines procedures for managing illness in children attending the nursery and aims to:

  • Prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

  • Ensure a safe and healthy environment for children, staff, and families.

  • Clarify the exclusion periods for common childhood illnesses.

  • Establish clear communication expectations with parents/carers.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

  • If a child becomes unwell while at nursery, they will be monitored and made comfortable until collected.

  • Parents/carers must not bring children into the nursery if they are unwell, especially if they have been given Calpol or similar medication before arrival, as it may mask symptoms of contagious illness.

  • If a child requires medication, see the Administration of Medication Policy.

ADMISSION RESTRICTIONS

The Nursery Manager is not permitted to admit any child who appears to be suffering from an infectious or contagious illness. While we follow UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance, we reserve the right to refuse admission if a child’s condition could impact the well-being of others.

PARENT/CARER RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide up-to-date emergency contact details

  • Inform the nursery of any illness, absences, or changes to your child’s health.

  • Keep children at home for the full exclusion period when unwell.

In emergencies, if the parent/carer is unreachable, the nursery will contact the next named emergency contact. Parents/carers must provide written permission for the nursery to act in their absence, including for hospital transport and emergency medical treatment.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

If a child becomes seriously ill or injured:

  • Staff will call an ambulance.

  • Parents/carers will be contacted immediately.

  • A senior member of staff will accompany the child to hospital if needed, along with relevant medical documentation and medication.

HIGH TEMPERATURES

A fever is classified as a temperature over 38°C (100.4°F) in children under 5.

Procedure:

  1. Take the child’s temperature with a thermometer.

  2. Record the reading and inform parents.

  3. Remove excess clothing and keep the child hydrated.

  4. Monitor temperature regularly.

  5. If temperature remains above 38°C, parents must collect their child.

FEBRILE CONVULSIONS, ANAPHYLAXIS, AND SEIZURES

  • Call 999 immediately.

  • Administer emergency medication (e.g., Epipen) if prescribed and authorised.

  • Follow the same hospital transport procedure above.

SICKNESS AND DIARRHOEA 

  • Exclusion period is 48 hours after the last episode, not from the onset.

  • This applies even if symptoms are related to allergies, intolerances, or food ladders unless written medical guidance states otherwise.

 

COVID-19.

  • Children with high fever or unwell symptoms should not attend nursery.