SICKNESS POLICY

•	Parents are asked to keep their children at home if they have any illness and to inform the pre-school as to the nature of the illness so that the pre-school can alert other parents as necessary and make careful observations of any child who seems unwell. Parents are asked to observe our traffic light system (see below) when unsure if their child is well enough to attend Scallywags. 
•	We will respect confidentiality by not identifying the child concerned.
•	An illness alert form will be sent to all families if we have 3 or more cases of the same illness. 
•	Parents are asked not to bring into the pre-school any child who has been vomiting or had diarrhoea until at least 48 hours has elapsed since the last attack.
•	Parents are asked to observe exclusion times for infectious diseases, parents can find the exclusion times by contacting their GP or by telephoning the Pre-School.
•	Cuts or open sores, whether on adults or children, will be covered with sticking plaster or other dressing.
•	Staff will only administer medication on receipt of a completed medication form (which can be obtained from a member of staff).
•	The administration of life saving medication such as insulin/adrenalin injections or the use of nebulisers, the position will be clarified by reference to the pre-school’s insurance company.  If specialist knowledge is required, staff involved in administering medication will receive training from a qualified health professional.
•	Staff medication will be securely stored and out of reach of the children 
•	The pre-school will ensure that the first aid equipment is kept clean, replenished and replaced as necessary.  Sterile items will be kept sealed in their packages until needed.
•	All staff will be first aid trained.
•	Parents will have the opportunity to discuss health issues with staff and will have access to information available to the Pre-School.
•	If a child becomes ill at the Pre-School, the manager will contact the parents to come and collect the child. Parents will be asked to sign a child ill form on collection. If the parent is not available then the child will be kept under supervision, quiet and away from the other children until the parent can be contacted.
•	Please also see our Pandemic Policy

Signed on behalf of the pre-school   Chris Jones

Adopted 08.10.18
Reviewed 08.08.19, 19.07.20, 08.08.21, 03.04.22, 15.08.23, 05.08.24, 05.08.25