It is our duty to encourage and promote good health and hygiene for all the children in our care. This includes monitoring the children for signs and symptoms of infectious diseases, eg. measles, mumps, meningitis, diarrhoea, sickness and high temperatures of above 38c/98.4f. If a member of staff suspects that a child may have an infectious illness then the Manager/nursery owner will be informed immediately. No child should be sent home from Nursery without the knowledge/consent of either one of the above mentioned.
A senior member of staff will contact the parent if it is necessary for their child to be collected.
An infectious illness is one that can be passed onto others, and we have a duty to prevent that spread of infections and to promote health and hygiene at all times to children and parents/carers
The manager/owner must be convinced that the child has returned to good health before re-admitting them to the nursery.
IN THE CASE OF SICKNESS AND DIARRHOEA THE CHILD SHOULD NOT RETURN TO NURSERY FOR 48 HOURS AFTER THE LAST BOUT OF SICKNESS OR DIARRHOEA. IF ANTIBIOTICS OR ANY OTHER MEDICATION HAVE BEEN PRESCRIBED BY THE DOCTOR FOR AN INFECTION OR VIRUS THEN THE CHILD SHOULD NOT RETURN TO NURSERY 24 HOURS AFTER THE FIRST DOSE OF MEDICATION.
In the case of a serious illness occurring then the parent will be contacted immediately, along with any medical help (ambulance) In the event of the parent/carer or emergency contact not being available a senior member of staff will assume charge and if necessary take the child to hospital along with the child’s personal details.
Advised minimum exclusion periods for some of the more common ailments
| Disease | Incubation Period | Period when infectious | Exclusion Period of infected person |
| Chicken Pox | 11-21 days | 1 – 2 days before to 5 days after spots develop | For 5 days from onset of rash or until spots have “scabbed over” |
| Conjunctivitis | Varies | Whilst eye is red & discharging | Until eyes have recovered and discharge has stopped. |
| Diarrhoea & vomiting | Varies | Whilst having symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting | Until symptom free for 48 hours. |
| Fifth disease (Slapped Cheek) | 4-20 days | Before the rash appears | Until clinically well. |
| Hand, foot & mouth disease | 3-5 days | From 2-3 days before to a few days after the appearance of rash | Until clinically well. The presence of a rash does not indicate infectivity. |
| Head Lice | Eggs hatch in 7-10 days | Whilst lice or eggs remain alive on host | Exclusion is unnecessary as long as child has been treated. |
| Impetigo | 4-10 days | Whilst lesions present | Until lesions crusted or healed. |
| Measles | 7 – 14 days | From a few days before to 4 days after the appearance of the rash | 5 days from onset of rash. |
| Mumps | 12 – 25 days | From 6 days before to 9 days after onset of illness | 5 days from onset of swollen glands. |
| Ringworm | 10-14 days | Whilst active lesions present | Until 1 week after treatment unless lesions are covered. |
| German Measles (Rubella) | 14-21 days | 7 days before to 5 days after onset of rash | 5 days from onset of rash. |
| Scarlet fever | 1 -3 days | Day sore throat starts to 24 hours after commencing antibiotics | Five days from commencing antibiotics. |
| Threadworms | 2 – 6 weeks | Whilst eggs still being produced. | None. Treatment advised. |