Illness & Medication Policy
Exclusion guidelines, trained medication administration, and emergency response procedures keep all children healthy and parents fully informed.
Last Updated:
Keeping Everyone Healthy
To protect all children and staff, we ask parents to follow our illness and medication procedures carefully.
When to Keep Your Child Home
Do Not Send Your Child If:
Temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
Vomiting or diarrhea in last 48 hours
Contagious infection (chickenpox, impetigo, conjunctivitis)
Heavy cold with green nasal discharge
Persistent cough affecting breathing
Unexplained rash
Generally unwell, lethargic, or in pain
Unable to participate in normal activities
Exclusion Periods
Illness | Exclusion Period |
|---|---|
Diarrhea & vomiting | 48 hours after last episode |
Temperature | 24 hours after fever subsides |
Antibiotics | 48 hours after first dose |
Chickenpox | Until all spots crusted over (5 days) |
Impetigo | Until lesions crusted/healed or 48 hours after antibiotics |
Conjunctivitis | Until treated for 24 hours |
Head lice | After first treatment |
Hand, foot & mouth | While feeling unwell |
If Your Child Becomes Ill at Nursery
Our Process
Child isolated comfortably with familiar staff
Temperature taken and symptoms assessed
Parents contacted immediately
Emergency contacts called if parents unavailable
Child monitored closely until collection
Collection within 1 hour requested
Emergency Situations:
Emergency services called immediately
Parents informed simultaneously
Senior staff member accompanies child to hospital
Child's medical records taken
Incident fully documented
Medication Administration
Prescription Medication:
Prescribed medication in original packaging
With pharmacy label showing child's name
When parent completes medication consent form
With clear dosage and timing instructions
Medication stored safely (refrigerated if needed)
Non-Prescription Medication
Calpol/paracetamol administered only if:
Prescribed by doctor OR
Parent brings with signed consent
First dose given at home
Never for teething or minor discomfort without prior agreement
Long-Term Medication
Care plan created with parents and healthcare professionals
Staff trained in administration
Two staff members witness administration
Recorded immediately in medication log
Reviewed regularly with parents
Emergency Medication
EpiPens, inhalers, rescue medication kept accessible
Care plan on display (confidentially)
All staff trained in use
Regular training updates
Checked monthly for expiry dates
Spare devices kept where possible
Managing Specific Conditions
Allergies
Detailed allergy care plan on file
All staff aware of symptoms and treatment
EpiPens/antihistamines readily accessible
Regular reviews with parents
Food preparation protocols strictly followed
Asthma
Individual asthma plan from doctor/parent
Inhalers kept accessible (not locked away)
Staff trained in inhaler use
Spacer devices provided by parents
Peak flow monitoring if required
Diabetes
Care plan from diabetes nurse
Blood sugar monitoring equipment provided
Hypo treatment readily available
Staff trained in glucose administration
Close monitoring during physical activity
Infectious Diseases
Public Health England guidance followed
Parents informed of outbreaks
Incubation periods communicated
Extra hygiene measures implemented
Vulnerable families notified privately
Accident & Injury
Minor Accidents
First aid administered immediately
Accident form completed
Parent informed at collection
Copy of form provided
Head Injuries
Parent contacted immediately even if minor
Ice pack applied
Close observation for 24 hours
Detailed accident report
Advice given on monitoring at home
Requiring Medical Attention
Emergency services called if needed
Parents informed immediately
Senior staff accompanies child to hospital
All relevant medical information provided
Incident reported to Ofsted if serious
Keeping Everyone Healthy
To protect all children and staff, we ask parents to follow our illness and medication procedures carefully.
When to Keep Your Child Home
Do Not Send Your Child If:
Temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
Vomiting or diarrhea in last 48 hours
Contagious infection (chickenpox, impetigo, conjunctivitis)
Heavy cold with green nasal discharge
Persistent cough affecting breathing
Unexplained rash
Generally unwell, lethargic, or in pain
Unable to participate in normal activities
Exclusion Periods
Illness | Exclusion Period |
|---|---|
Diarrhea & vomiting | 48 hours after last episode |
Temperature | 24 hours after fever subsides |
Antibiotics | 48 hours after first dose |
Chickenpox | Until all spots crusted over (5 days) |
Impetigo | Until lesions crusted/healed or 48 hours after antibiotics |
Conjunctivitis | Until treated for 24 hours |
Head lice | After first treatment |
Hand, foot & mouth | While feeling unwell |
If Your Child Becomes Ill at Nursery
Our Process
Child isolated comfortably with familiar staff
Temperature taken and symptoms assessed
Parents contacted immediately
Emergency contacts called if parents unavailable
Child monitored closely until collection
Collection within 1 hour requested
Emergency Situations:
Emergency services called immediately
Parents informed simultaneously
Senior staff member accompanies child to hospital
Child's medical records taken
Incident fully documented
Medication Administration
Prescription Medication:
Prescribed medication in original packaging
With pharmacy label showing child's name
When parent completes medication consent form
With clear dosage and timing instructions
Medication stored safely (refrigerated if needed)
Non-Prescription Medication
Calpol/paracetamol administered only if:
Prescribed by doctor OR
Parent brings with signed consent
First dose given at home
Never for teething or minor discomfort without prior agreement
Long-Term Medication
Care plan created with parents and healthcare professionals
Staff trained in administration
Two staff members witness administration
Recorded immediately in medication log
Reviewed regularly with parents
Emergency Medication
EpiPens, inhalers, rescue medication kept accessible
Care plan on display (confidentially)
All staff trained in use
Regular training updates
Checked monthly for expiry dates
Spare devices kept where possible
Managing Specific Conditions
Allergies
Detailed allergy care plan on file
All staff aware of symptoms and treatment
EpiPens/antihistamines readily accessible
Regular reviews with parents
Food preparation protocols strictly followed
Asthma
Individual asthma plan from doctor/parent
Inhalers kept accessible (not locked away)
Staff trained in inhaler use
Spacer devices provided by parents
Peak flow monitoring if required
Diabetes
Care plan from diabetes nurse
Blood sugar monitoring equipment provided
Hypo treatment readily available
Staff trained in glucose administration
Close monitoring during physical activity
Infectious Diseases
Public Health England guidance followed
Parents informed of outbreaks
Incubation periods communicated
Extra hygiene measures implemented
Vulnerable families notified privately
Accident & Injury
Minor Accidents
First aid administered immediately
Accident form completed
Parent informed at collection
Copy of form provided
Head Injuries
Parent contacted immediately even if minor
Ice pack applied
Close observation for 24 hours
Detailed accident report
Advice given on monitoring at home
Requiring Medical Attention
Emergency services called if needed
Parents informed immediately
Senior staff accompanies child to hospital
All relevant medical information provided
Incident reported to Ofsted if serious