Child Health

All children and staff are protected from infectious illnesses.

All children are cared for appropriately when ill.

If both a vomit and a diarrhoea are present, or either has occured twice, we consider the child to be infectious and therefore not able to attend the centre.
If this occurs whilst the child is attending the centre, the most senior staff member in the centre will contact the parents, and the child picked up within one hour.
A child needs to be clear of vomitting and diarrhoea for 24 hours before returning to the Centre.
If a child arrives at the Centre after having diarrhoea and / or vomiting overnight (as per the above point), the most senior staff member on duty must ask the Parents to take the child home.
In the case of diarrhoea caused by antibiotics, a medical certificate may be required, stating that the child does not have a contagious illness, prior to the child returning to the centre.

In the case of a child having a temperature over 38⁰ the child will be tepid sponged, and parents contact for Pamol (see below). If the temperature does not decrease within half an hour, or if the child is obviously unwell, staff will notify parents again who will be required to collect their child within one hour. NOTE: If fax or e-mail available, the Parents / Caregiver may fax or e-mail permission for Pamol to be administered. 'Text' is not acceptable. We are not allowed to administer medication without written parental consent. The parent should sign this permission when they collect their child.
In a situation where Staff has made every effort but they are unable to contact the parents, or the contacts on the child’s card the most senior staff member will decide if the child requires immediate medical attention. If this situation arises, the child’s family details form must accompany them to their Doctor and the child must be in a car seat. A qualified staff member will accompany the child.
If a child returns to the centre within 24 hours of having a temperature, and their temperature rises to above 38⁰ again, parents will be asked to collect their child within one hour.

In the case of a child having an unidentified rash, staff may ask parents to have their child checked by a doctor, to ensure that the rash is not contagious. A medical certificate may be required prior to returning to the centre.

A child must have no discharge visible in the eye AND be on medication for 24 hours before returning to the Centre.
If a child has discharge in the eye they will be sent home.
Please note that conjunctivitis is extremely contagious and is transmitted by the discharge.

In the event of a pandemic or other highly contagious illness, we will follow the advice and guidance of the Ministry of Health. This will override any information given in this policy.

The Centre will follow the guidelines outlined on the 'Infectious Diseases' poster published by the Ministry of Health.
the Supervisor may require a medical certificate before a child who has had an infectious disease or illness is allowed back into the Centre.
Children who are on prescribed antibiotics must remain away from the centre for 24 hours after beginning the antibiotics.
If staff feel that a child is genuinely unwell and not coping with being in the centre, the parent/caregiver may be asked to come and collect their child.

While parents are being contacted the child should be made as comfortable as possible in the office, where it is quiet and they are not in contact with other children. They will not be left alone at any time.
Each child will be treated on an individual basis.
The Supervisor, or a person delegated by them, is the only person permitted to contact parents. (If the Supervisor is not here then the most senior staff member may contact parents).
All infectious illnesses will be recorded in the Centre Incident Book.
Please inform the Licensee of any serious illness, infectious diseases and / or situations requiring medical attention immediately.