Poorly children

Last updated: July 30 2024

Last reviewed: July 30 2024

If a child appears unwell during the day, for example has a raised temperature, sickness, diarrhoea* and/or pains, particularly in the head or stomach then the setting manager calls the parents and asks them to collect the child or send a known carer to collect on their behalf.

If a child has a raised temperature, they are kept cool by removing top clothing, sponging their heads with cool water and kept away from draughts.

A child’s temperature is taken and checked regularly, using Fever Scans or other means i.e. ear thermometer. 

In an emergency an ambulance is called and the parents are informed.

Parents are advised to seek medical advice before returning them to the setting; the setting can refuse admittance to children who have a raised temperature, sickness and diarrhoea or a contagious infection or disease.

Where children have been prescribed antibiotics for an infectious illness or complaint, children are to remain at home for 48 hours.

Where children have been given a flu vaccine or other live vaccine, children are to remain at home for 24 hours. 

After diarrhoea or vomiting, children are to remain at home for 48 hours following the last episode.

Some activities such as sand and water play and self-serve snack will be suspended for the duration of any outbreak.

The setting has information about excludable diseases and exclusion times.

The setting manager notifies the owner/trustees/directors if there is an outbreak of an infection (affects more than 3-4 children) and keeps a record of the numbers and duration of each event.

The setting manager has a list of notifiable diseases and contacts the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Ofsted in the event of an outbreak.

If staff suspect that a child who falls ill whilst in their care is suffering from a serious disease that may have been contracted abroad such as Ebola, immediate medical assessment is required. The setting manager or deputy calls NHS111 and informs parents. 

HIV/AIDS procedure

HIV virus, like other viruses such as Hepatitis, (A, B and C), are spread through body fluids. Hygiene precautions for dealing with body fluids are the same for all children and adults.

Single use vinyl gloves and aprons are worn when changing children’s nappies, pants and clothing that are soiled with blood, urine, faeces or vomit.

Protective rubber gloves are used for cleaning/sluicing clothing after changing.

Soiled clothing is rinsed and bagged for parents to collect.

Spills of blood, urine, faeces or vomit are cleared using mild disinfectant solution and mops; cloths used are disposed of with clinical waste.

Tables and other furniture or toys affected by blood, urine, faeces or vomit are cleaned using a disinfectant.

If your child has had any medication of any kind you must inform the team at drop off.

Nits and head lice

Nits and head lice are not an excludable condition; although in exceptional cases parents may be asked to keep the child away from the setting until the infestation has cleared.

On identifying cases of head lice, all parents are informed and asked to treat their child and all the family, using current recommended treatments methods if they are found.

*Diarrhoea is defined as 3 or more liquid or semi-liquid stools in a 24-hour period. (www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-in-schools-and-other-childcare-facilities/chapter-9-managing-specific-infectious-diseases#diarrhoea-and-vomiting-gastroenteritis) 

Paracetamol based medicines (e.g. Calpol)

Whilst the brand name Calpol is referenced, there are other products which are paracetamol or Ibuprofen based pain and fever relief such as Nurofen for children over 3 months. 

Children who have had pain or fever relieving medication must not attend playgroup on the same day.

If the manager is made aware of teething, growing pains, etc they may allow your child in to playgroup having had pain or fever relieving medicine. This is on a case by case basis and the final decision lies with the managerial team.

If your child has had pain or fever relieving medication and allowed into the setting, and they develop symptoms unlike what has previously been described or accepted they will be required to be collected immediately. 

Further guidance

Good Practice in Early Years Infection Control (Alliance Publication)

Medication Administration Record (Alliance Publication)

Guidance on infection control in schools and other childcare settings (Public Health Agency) https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/Guidance_on_infection_control_in%20schools_poster.pdf