SICKNESS AND MEDICINES POLICY

Health, Sickness & Medication Policy

1. Introduction

At The Crown Nursery we promote the good health, including oral health, of all children who attend. We have clear policies and procedures for managing sickness and medicines. These must be adhered to in order to keep everybody in the school community safe and well.

This policy includes information on:

  • How to respond to children who are ill or infectious
  • How to prevent the spread of infection
  • What action to take if children are ill
  • Procedures for administering medicine

This policy is shared with all staff, parents and carers and is accessible on The Crown Nursery website.

2. Sickness

To help keep all children healthy and minimise infection, children should not attend nursery if they are unwell. If a child is ill, it is in their best interest, and that of the nursery community, to remain at home with parents/carers.

A child being ill means they are experiencing a state of poor physical or mental health and are not functioning as they normally would.

Signs of illness may include:

  • High temperature (38°C or more)
  • Shallow breathing or pausing between breaths
  • Damp, pale or blotchy skin
  • Rash
  • Lack of energy / lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dehydration (dry nappies, sunken eyes)

3. Managing Infection

To reduce the risk of infection and protect the health of all children and staff, children who are unwell with a contagious or infectious condition must not attend nursery.

This includes illnesses such as:

  • High temperature
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Rashes
  • Eye infections
  • Any condition that may be passed to others

Children must remain at home until they are well enough to take part in normal nursery activities and are no longer infectious, in line with recommended exclusion periods or medical advice.

Exclusion List

  • Vomiting or diarrhoea – Exclude until 48 hours after the last episode
  • High temperature (fever) – Exclude until fever-free and well
  • Conjunctivitis – Until symptoms improve
  • Unexplained rash or rash with fever – Until medically assessed
  • Chickenpox – Until all spots have crusted over
  • Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease – While unwell or sores are open
  • Head lice – Treatment must begin before return
  • Any other infectious illness – As advised by medical professionals

This list is not exhaustive. The nursery reserves the right to request exclusion where a child’s illness may pose a risk to others.

Infection Control Procedures

  • Parents will be contacted immediately if a child becomes ill during the nursery day.
  • Children must be clear of sickness and diarrhoea for 48 hours before returning.
  • Two loose stools in one day will result in the child being sent home.
  • Children starting antibiotics must remain at home for the first 24 hours.
  • Head lice cases should be reported so other parents can be informed.
  • Ofsted will be notified within 14 days of any confirmed food poisoning case.
  • Parents will be informed of contagious infections within the nursery.
  • All equipment and surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected daily.
  • Professional deep cleaning takes place weekly.
  • Children follow strict handwashing and hygiene routines.
  • “Catch it, bin it” procedures are followed for coughs and colds.

4. Meningitis Procedure

If a parent informs the nursery that their child has meningitis, the nursery manager will report this to Ofsted as it is a notifiable disease and will follow all official guidance.

5. Serious Illness / Incident

If a child becomes severely ill or has a serious incident, an ambulance must be called immediately. Staff must not transport a child to hospital in their own vehicle.

An ambulance should be called if a child:

  • Has a stiff neck
  • Has a rash that does not fade under pressure
  • Is sensitive to light
  • Has a febrile seizure
  • Has blue/grey skin colouring
  • Is difficult to wake
  • Is confused or extremely agitated
  • Has difficulty breathing
  • Is unresponsive

Parents must be informed immediately. A key worker or manager will accompany the child to hospital with relevant documentation and comfort items.

6. Prescribed Medication

  • Only prescribed medication in original packaging will be administered.
  • Medication must be clearly labelled and within expiry date.
  • Parents must complete and sign the medication form (EYLog).
  • Staff will record all dosages and times administered.
  • No dosage exceeding prescription instructions will be given.
  • If a child refuses medication, this will be recorded and parents informed.
  • Parents must inform staff if medication has already been given at home.

7. Non-Prescription Medication

  • No medication containing aspirin will be administered.
  • Calpol or Piriton may only be given with prior written consent.
  • Emergency supplies are stored safely and checked regularly.
  • Non-prescription medication is a last resort after other measures.
  • All creams must be clearly labelled and supplied by parents.
  • Parents will always be informed of any medication administered.

8. Antibiotics

Children must remain at home for the first 24 hours of a new antibiotic course. Antibiotics requiring refrigeration will be stored appropriately.

9. Injections, Pessaries & Suppositories

Only trained staff will administer these with prior written parental consent.

10. Staff Medication

Staff must only work when fit to do so. Any medication affecting ability to care for children must be reported to management. Staff medication must be stored securely in the nursery office.

11. Storage

  • All children’s medication must be clearly labelled.
  • Medication is stored securely in the office medicine box.
  • Refrigerated medication is stored in child-inaccessible fridges.

12. Emergency Medication

Emergency medication (e.g. inhalers, EpiPens) will be easily accessible to staff but kept out of children’s reach. Staff complete Paediatric First Aid training every three years.

Policy Date: April 2025
Review Date: April 2027