Policy Intention

 

This policy is in place to reduce the transmission and spread of infection.

There are a range of common and significant childhood infections and diseases that we all need to be alert to.

We follow government guidance for exclusion and are mindful that children need to be fit and well to access the experiences that we provide.

We promote good standards of hygiene throughout our setting and have control measures in place to reduce the spread of infection.

Procedure

 

Safeguarding & Welfare

• We control the spread of infections through hand washing; managing cuts, bites, nosebleeds and abrasions; encouraging covering mouth or nose with disposable tissues and providing appropriate PPE.

• We have robust systems in place to manage all spillages and bodily fluids.

• A regular and thorough cleaning schedule is implemented within the setting to control infection.

• Our cleaning materials are stored in accordance with Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and equipment is colour coded to maintain high cleaning standards.

• We employ good hygiene practices and have adequate sanitary facilities including designated changing areas.

• Our toys and resources are well maintained and additional cleaning is undertaken during an outbreak of infection.

• Laundry areas are separate from food preparation areas and arrangements are in place for managing soiled items.

• A system is in place to alert vulnerable groups who are at particular risk of infection.

• We signpost parents/carers and staff to the NHS website for up-to-date information around vaccination and immunisation.

• We make parents/carers aware of the Sickness Policy and keep a record of the arrangements for the exclusion of a child should they become ill.

• We take appropriate action if a child or staff member becomes ill during the day.

• We monitor outbreaks or incidents and ensure reporting and confidentiality in accordance with the Information and Records Policy.

• If a child becomes ill on the premises, or whom is believed to have an infectious illness or disease, the child will be kept away from other children; parents/carers will be contacted for the immediate collection of the child and the child will be excluded from the setting until they have been well for 48 hours, or in accordance with Health Authority guidelines.

• If a child is suffering from a disease or illness which requires notification, we inform the parents/carers of our concerns and act on advice given by Public Health England. We will also inform Ofsted of any action taken.

• Parents/carers of other children in the setting will be notified if a child has a diagnosed infectious disease.

• Staff follow internal systems for reporting sickness.

• Staff follow the Administering Medicines Policy if medication is required.

• A child should only attend if they are able to join in the days activities and outings. If staff feel that they are not well enough to be in the setting then they can use their discresion to send them home to rest. The children's welfare will always be the top priority.

• Children may be given Calpol or similar to assist with teething pain, please speak to staff to discuss when needed.

• We are able to administer Calpol if the child is able to then join in the days activities. If the child needs Calpol or similar more than two days in a row then advice should be sought from a medical professional. Again if staff feels that they are still not well then they will be sent home to recover.

 

Exclusion

the setting will follow the public health recommendations for exclusion from the setting, however, will also have the following amendments:

Croup – 3 days from onset of symptoms.

Conjunctivitis – 48 hours after treatment has started and the discharge has stopped.

Hand foot and mouth – Until the blisters have healed and no temperature (minimum 5 days).

Cold sores -until completely scabbed over and has been treated.

Threadworms 48 hours after treatment.

Chicken pox – 7 days and the blisters should be scabbed/healed.

Children and young people settings: tools and resources - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)