preschool workers - ongoing nits problem

[fullmoonfiend]

Just started as part time helper in a preschool. there is a child there who has very obvious nits. I know we are not allowed to 'look' for them but when this child is sitting on my knee it's impossible not to see the lice crawling!. Mum has been informed and says she has treated it but that ws 4 weeks ago and there are now more than ever! Our leader says there's nothing much more we can do. Is there? Are we 'allowed' to insist the child does not come until she is clear? Meanwhile, I am tying my long hair back tightly and bathing myself in repellant :) Anyone got any more tips for avoiding getting them? Unforunately for me, this child has a particular 'thing' for me and always wants to be near me/on me !

Wash with tea tree shampoo and use biz niz (from health shop)leave in conditioner. They don't like tea tree or neam oil. Good luck!!

citronella oil (in water in an ironing spray) sprayed on to you hair might help

Are you sure the school can't do more? I was called today (along with 4 other mums) to come get dd early because she and several other children in her class have developed nits. I was told to take her home immediately to treat them, and bring her back to school tomorrow after treatment.

Would your school do something along those lines?

dunno earlybird - at school I think you are allowed to insist the child stays at home until it is treated, but not sure if rules are different for preschools. I'm hoping there might be someone on here who can clarify what we can 'get away with' without causing the child embarassment or distress etc

can you not contact the psla

Ordinarily yes, aunty mandy - but I'm only asking on here for myself, as I find it hard to believe my boss that there's not much more can be done, IYSWIM

Does your pre-school have a written policy about illness/infestations that parents will have read and agreed to? The one I used to work in did and it did say that in persistent cases the child could be excluded until effectively treated. It was never implemented though. Could the mum not be taken aside discreetly for a chat-she may need help in trying different strategies to get rid of them.

What about a letter to all parents about nits and how to treat them? I think boots do one with which you can use and it has a money off voucher with it!

What about a letter to all parents about nits and how to treat them? I think boots do one with which you can use and it has a money off voucher with it!