Child Illness

Illness & Infection Policy – One Page Summary

At Kids Time Nursery, we prioritise the health, safety and well-being of all children and staff. This policy outlines how we manage illness and aim to prevent the spread of infection.

General Guidelines

• If your child is unwell, please do not bring them to nursery. Children who are poorly are better cared for at home.
• We reserve the right to refuse entry to unwell children to protect others.
• If a Child Becomes Unwell at Nursery, parents/carers will be contacted to collect their child as soon as possible.
• The child will be cared for in a quiet area with a staff member, preferably their key person.
• Staff will monitor symptoms and offer reassurance, comfort, and fluids.
• A sickness monitoring form will be completed and a Going Home form signed on collection.

Exclusion Periods

• Sickness & Diarrhoea: 48 hours after the last episode.
• Fever: 24 hours after temperature returns to normal (without medication).
• Infectious Conditions: Exclusion times apply based on medical advice (e.g. ear infections, contagious rashes).

Medication

• Only prescribed medicine can be given with written consent.
• Over-the-counter medicines (e.g. Calpol) will not be administered unless prescribed.
• Staff may decline to give medication if uncomfortable or unsure.

Head Lice & Other Conditions

• Parents are encouraged to check regularly for head lice and inform the nursery if found.
• In case of infectious illness outbreaks, we will notify all parents/carers and thoroughly clean affected areas.

Meningitis Procedure

• If meningitis is suspected or confirmed, we will contact the Infection Control Nurse, Ofsted, and follow all official guidance.
• We ask all parents/carers to support our efforts to maintain a healthy environment by adhering strictly to this policy. Thank you for your cooperation.