Hidden Garden Day Nursery and Pre-School
Sickness and Medical Requirements including administering of Medicine Policy
Hidden Garden Nursery takes the health and well-being of our children very seriously. This is why staff will not admit a child onto the premises who appears to be suffering from an infectious or contagious illness or disease. This includes any child who has a sore throat, discharge from the eyes or nose, sickness, diarrhoea or any contagious/infectious illness. They should be kept at home until a doctor has certified in writing that she/he is fully recovered, or 48 hours have elapsed since the last outbreak. The Nursery is also unable to accept a child who has been given Calpol on the morning of his/her session this is because Calpol can mask further symptoms and we also look to minimise the risk of infection. We will however accept a child who has had Calpol for teething.
Hidden Garden Nursery will not administer Calpol to a child unless they have a temperature of 38.5. and parents/careers are then called to collect their child.
Prescribed Medication
If a child is prescribed medication including antibiotics parents/carers are asked to keep the child at home for the first 48 hours to ensure no adverse effect as well as giving time for the medication to take effect. As far as possible administering medication will only be done where it would be detrimental to the child’s health if not given within Nursery hours. In most cases it is possible for the GP to prescribe medication which can be taken at home in the morning and evening. Where medication is administered the appropriate medication form will be completed, and the medication clearly named. Prescribed medication needs to clearly show the child’s name, we are unable to administer prescribed medication showing a different person’s name.
Illness Outbreaks
If there is an outbreak of an illness within the Nursery, then the Manager will consult with local Health Protection for advice. We may then make the decision to exclude children in order to control an outbreak even where it is not listed within our normal exclusion policy.
Infectious Illness
If a child has an illness we request that parents/careers, contact the Nursery as soon as possible so that we are able to communicate this to all parents/careers.
Please see the table below for exclusion periods to different illness and infections-
Illness/Infection / Exclusion periodChicken pox/shingles / 5 days from onset of rash as long as spots have crusted over
Cold sores / None
Conjunctivitis / Children can return after 48 hours of treatment
Diarrhoea/vomiting / 48 hours from the last episode (Also after 2 or more loose stools within hour children are required to be sent home and may not return for 48 hours from last episode)
Flu / Until fully recovered enough to participate in Nursery activities
Glandular Fever / None, however must be well enough to participate in Nursery activities
Hand, foot and mouth / Children can return when the blisters begin to clear up usually within 1 week
Head lice / None however treatment should be given
Impetigo / Until lesions are crusted or healed
Meningitis / Until fully recovered
Measles / 5 days from onset of rash
Mumps / 5 days from onset of swollen glands
Ringworm / Until treatment has commenced
Scabies / Until treatment has commenced
Scarlet Fever / 5 days after commencing treatment
Slapped cheek / None however must be well enough to participate in everyday activities
German Measles (rubella) / 5 days from onset of rash
This Policy was reviewed on 25/1/18
Victoria Westwell- Owner
Hannah Miles- Manager
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