Sickness Policy - As you will be aware, we have a responsibility, which we take very seriously to protect the children in our care from illness. With even the most stringent precautions all the risks of infection cannot be eliminated. We have looked at the relevant guidance and tried to apply a common sense approach to minimising the risks. This is set out below in a series of policies and procedures.
? When a child has had sickness (vomiting) or diarrhoea parents will keep the child at home for a minimum of 48 hours after the last episode of illness, before returning him/her to WC. This is a legal requirement.
? If a child is sick (vomits) or has diarrhoea whilst at WC, the parent will be contacted for the child to be collected and will have to keep the child at home for a minimum of 48 hours after the last episode of illness.
? Please inform us if a child has been ill or given medicine during the 2 days before attending WC; it is important that we are informed so that we can make decisions for their care while in our setting.
? If a child has a temperature of 38 degrees or over, whilst at WC, the parent will be telephoned and asked to take them home. This is because a temperature that high may cause infantile convulsions and therefore the child needs one to one care.
? When a child has conjunctivitis, the parent needs to keep the child at home until either the eyes are clear or the doctor has agreed that it is not infectious.
? If another child has chickenpox, WC will not be excluding them as long as they need no additional care (we will not be applying calomine etc). This means that your child will be at risk of infection.
? If a child becomes ill during their time in our care, we will try to contact you (or your alternative) immediately. If it is felt necessary or beneficial to the child, Liquid Paracetamol or Liquid Ibuprofen will be given. An additional form is supplied for completion, please supply sachets of medication for use.
? Prescription medicines can be administered by Registered Childminders. An additional form is to be completed on a daily basis. Medicines must be in their original container with the pharmacy printed directions.
It is important that when a child is poorly and in need of one-to-one care, that they receive the care that they need. This cannot normally be done within a childminding environment.
? If your child is unable to participate in our normal daily routine, including playing outside and accompanying other children when we drop off/collect from school then your child MUST stay at home.
? If your child is irritable, continuously crying or requires more attention than we can provide without impeding the health, safety or well being of the other children in our care then your child MUST stay at home.
Please remember that if we look after poorly children it means the other children will get less care, this could mean that your child is the one that misses out, because we are looking after someone else?s.
Does it need changing?