Sickness Policy

Preventing the spread of infectious diseases

 Acorns understands that while many childhood diseases are common, Underlying presentations of serious infectious diseases can mimic common childhood infections in the early stages, so it is vital to follow Government guidelines as our first line of defence in infection control.

 

To prevent outbreaks and minimise the spread of disease Acorns follow strict routines of:

 

  • Following recommended exclusion times for children and staff following illness.

  • Parents and Staff are asked to inform Acorns of illnesses that arise.

  • Maintaining good hygiene routines such as hand washing.

  • Schedules for cleaning equipment.

  • Suspending certain activities during an outbreak of illness..ie playdough.

  • Maintain hygienic food handling and preparation

 

In the case of suspected infection

Acorns follows the guidance of the UK Health Security Agency and BANES set out on the ‘Guidance on infection control in school and other childhood settings’ document.  This is on display in the office. Parents are asked to notify the setting if their children becomes unwell and must stay at home until symptoms pass.

 

There are two sorts of infectious diseases:

1 Notifiable Diseases such as measles, menigitis, mumps, diptheria (This is not a complete list, but is the most common. For a complete list or if in any doubt refer to the Guidence on infection prevention and control in schools and childcare settings. Outbreaks of notifiable diseases must be reported to OFSTED by Acorns as soon as practical and within 14 days so please inform Acorns by email if your child has unwell with a notifiable disease. A list of notifiable diseases can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/notifiable-diseases-and-how-to-report-them#list-diseases.

 

2 Non notifiable diseases which need to be reported to Acorns and our required time for child’s exclusion…

  • Chicken pox -  Exclusion for five days from onset until all spots are crusted over

  • Impetigo - Seek medical advice and stay away until lesions are crusted over or 48 hours aftyer start of antibiotics

  • Covid 19 - Until symptoms have passes and child is well enough to return to school

  • Diarrhoae or vomiting - Stay off until 48 hours after last episode of sickness or diarroae.

  • Headlice - No need to keep off but please treat as soon as identified

  • Scabies - Stay off until first treatment has been completed

  • Hand Foot and Mouth - Stay off until child is feeling well in themselves

  • Conjunctivitis - Stay at home until treatment is started and eyes are not sore

  • Threadworm - Start treatment before returning. Fine to return after first treatment

 

If a child becomes unwell while at Acorns a member of staff will call and request that their parent/carer or emergency contact will collect them promptly. While waiting for collecting the child will be care for away from the other children to prevent spread of infection.

In the case of a health emergency the staff member will implement first aid, call 999, call the parents/carers and follow advice of emergency services. Please see first aid policy.

 

Policy Reviewed January 2025