04.5 Poorly children
If a child appears unwell during the day, for example has a raised temperature, sickness, diarrhoea* and/or pains, particularly in the head or stomach then the setting manager calls the parents/carers and asks them to collect the child or send a known carer to collect on their behalf.
If a child has a raised temperature, top clothing may be removed to make them more comfortable, but children are not undressed or sponged down to cool their temperature. A high temperature should never be ignored, but it is a natural response to infection.
A child’s temperature is taken and checked regularly, using an ear thermometer, with hygiene cover.
If a childs temperature is above 38C Parents will be called to collect their child.
In an emergency an ambulance is called, and the parents/carers are informed.
Parents/carers are advised to seek medical advice before returning them to the setting; the setting can refuse admittance to children who have a raised temperature, sickness and diarrhoea or a contagious infection or disease.
Where children have been prescribed antibiotics for an infectious illness or complaint, parents/carers are asked to keep them at home for 48 hours.
After diarrhoea or vomiting, parents/carers are asked to keep children home for 48 hours following the last episode.
Some activities such as sand and water play, and self-serve snack will be suspended for the duration of any outbreak.
The setting has information about excludable diseases and exclusion times.
The setting manager notifies the owner/trustees/directors if there is an outbreak of an infection (affects more than 3-4 children) and keeps a record of the numbers and duration of each event.
The setting manager has a list of notifiable diseases and contacts the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Ofsted, or the childminder agency in the event of an outbreak.
If staff suspect that a child who falls ill whilst in their care is suffering from a serious disease that may have been contracted abroad such as Ebola, immediate medical assessment is required. The setting manager or deputy calls NHS111 and informs parents.
HIV/AIDS procedure
HIV virus, like other viruses such as Hepatitis, (A, B and C), are spread through body fluids. Hygiene precautions for dealing with body fluids are the same for all children and adults.
Single use vinyl gloves and aprons are worn when changing children’s nappies, pants and clothing that are soiled with blood, urine, faeces or vomit.
Protective rubber gloves are used for cleaning/sluicing clothing after changing.
Soiled clothing is rinsed and bagged for parents to collect.
Spills of blood, urine, faeces or vomit are cleared using mild disinfectant solution and mops; cloths used are disposed of with clinical waste.
Tables and other furniture or toys affected by blood, urine, faeces or vomit are cleaned using a disinfectant.
Baby mouthing toys are kept clean and plastic toys cleaned in sterilising solution regularly.
Nits and head lice
Nits and head lice are not an excludable condition; although in exceptional cases parents may be asked to keep the child away from the setting until the infestation has cleared.
On identifying cases of head lice, all parents are informed and asked to treat their child and all the family, using current recommended treatments methods if they are found.
*Diarrhoea is defined as 3 or more liquid or semi-liquid stools in a 24-hour period. (www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-protection-in-schools-and-other-childcare-facilities/chapter-9-managing-specific-infectious-diseases#diarrhoea-and-vomiting-gastroenteritis)
Further guidance
Medication Administration Record (Alliance Publication)
Guidance on infection control in schools and other childcare settings (Public Health Agency) https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/Guidance_on_infection_control_in%20schools_poster.pdf