Should I stop my child going to preschool?

[Ladyrill5]

My DD started preschool in September and ever since, she's either been ill or my DS has.

She's 3.5 years and attended nursery since she was 10 months old. She had the usual colds etc when she first started but nothing like what she's had/brought home from the new one.

My DS is only 7 months and has been hospitalised with bronchiolitis and had a severe case of Rota Virus (even though he has been vaccinated). The latest is a cough so bad that they've been coughing themselves sick for weeks.

The doctor says that they've caught things on top of other things and they don't need any medication on this occasion but just to let it pass.

I'm not usually one for fussing and think that kids get illnesses etc and it can't be helped. We are also very hygienic and soak everything before washing after a case of sickness etc.

When I've mentioned these illnesses to preschool, they confirm they've had other cases there which confirms my suspicions about where it starts. It's been 1/2 term this week and they've been ill since they broke up.

Having changed yet another set of bedding following my DS coughing til he's sick, I'm losing patience. There's not another preschool near by so it would mean my DD not attending at all (she currently does 2 short days).

Any advice from those who might have experienced this? Should I speak to the preschool about my concerns or stop her attending?

[iamhopeful]

We are having similar issues with my son who started school in September. He has been in nursery since he was 1, was fine until just before Christmas and we have been having back to back sickness since then. Really hoping the school have deep cleaned over half term.

[Ladyrill5]

I do do the hand washing thing every time we come in.

I do have a background working in schools and totally get that kids get illness (as in my original post). I just find this unusually high compared to settings I’ve worked in and that my DD has previously been in. High sickness levels can trigger OfSted inspections and push for settings to deep clean which is what should be happening anyway (at least once every half term). I was just wondering if others would find the level of illness alarming but if not, that’s fine - at least I know.

[rottiemum88]

What do you honestly expect the outcome of your conversation with the preschool to be? They could have the best hygiene practices in the world and it'd make no difference, nurseries and preschools/schools are an absolute breeding ground for illnesses. You'll just be delaying the inevitable for when she starts school if you stop her attending now, but I suppose that's upto you 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Josette77]

Wash your hands and your kids hands every time you enter your home and you will cut down on illnesses. Other than that sickness is just part of kids being around other kids.