Childhood Illness Policy

TRULY SCRUMPTIOUS NURSERY POLICY FOR CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES

Statement of Intent

At Truly Scrumptious Early Years 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 and a copy of your timetable (if applicable).

  • 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 (see illness chart below).

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.

  6. If required, with prior written consent, the nursery may administer Calpol in emergency situations (after medical consultation).

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.

For food ladders:

  • Parents must notify staff one week in advance.

  • Any reintroduction must be approved by a GP or dietitian in writing.

  • Staff will monitor and record health and bowel movements during this period.

COVID-19

  • Children must remain home for 3 days after a positive test.

  • Parents must inform the nursery immediately of a positive result.

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

Infectious Illness Exclusion Table

Infection Exclusion Period Notes
Athlete’s foot None Children should not be barefoot at
their setting (for example in
changing areas) and should not
share towels, socks or shoes with
others.
Chickenpox At least 5 days after rash onset and blisters must be crusted over Pregnant staff must consult GP/midwife.
Cold sores None Avoid direct contact with sores.
Conjunctivitis None Medical advice recommended. Notify HPT if outbreak occurs.
Respiratory infections incl. COVID-19 3 days after positive test (if applicable) or if feverish/unwell Mild symptoms may attend.
Diarrhoea/Vomiting 48 hours after last episode Notify nursery. Additional advice may apply for infections like E. coli. 
Diphtheria* Exclusion required – consult UKHSA HPT Vaccination prevents most cases.
Flu Until recovered Notify local HPT if outbreak suspected.
Glandular fever None —
Hand, foot & mouth None Contact your local HPT if a large
number of children are affected.
Exclusion may be considered in
some circumstances
Head lice None —
Hepatitis A 7 days after jaundice onset HPT will advise if outbreak.
Hepatitis B/C, HIV None Not infectious through casual contact.
Impetigo Until lesions crust or 48 hours after antibiotics Treatment recommended.
Measles*   Preventable by vaccination with 2
doses of MMR.
Promote MMR for all pupils and
staff. Pregnant staff contacts should
seek prompt advice from their GP
or midwife.

Meningitis (bacterial/viral)

 

 Until recovered

Hib and pneumococcal meningitis
are preventable by vaccination.
Your UKHSA HPT will advise on
any action needed.

Milder illness than bacterial
meningitis. Siblings and other close
contacts of a case need not be excluded

Notify UKHSA HPT for advice.
MRSA None Maintain good hygiene.
Mumps* 5 days after swelling Promote MMR vaccine.
Ringworm None Treatment required.
Rubella* 5 days after rash Promote MMR vaccine.
Scabies After first treatment Treat all close contacts.
Scarlet fever* 24 hours after antibiotics Notify HPT if more than 2 suspected cases.
Slapped cheek None once rash appears Pregnant contacts should consult a GP.
Threadworms None Treat all household members.
Tonsillitis None Most cases are viral.
Tuberculosis* Pulmonary TB: 2 weeks after treatment begins Always consult HPT.
Warts/verrucae None Cover in shared spaces.
Whooping cough* 2 days after antibiotics, or 21 days if untreated Promote vaccination. Notify HPT if needed.

*Diseases requiring mandatory public health notification and consultation with UKHSA Health Protection Team (HPT).

Non-Compliance

Parents who attempt to return a child before the exclusion period ends will be refused entry. Repeated breaches will be reported to the Local Authority and Social Services.

Contact Information Required by Parents

Parents/carers must provide:

  • Child’s full name, address, and date of birth.

  • Parent/carer’s contact details and workplace info.

  • Emergency contact details.

  • GP name and contact number.

  • Child’s immunisation record and past illnesses.

Reviewed– By Brittany V – Manager – 22/05/2025

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