Illness

Communicable Diseases Information

No child or member of staff known to be suffering a communicable disease, or illness considered too ill to participate in normal activities, will be allowed to take up his/her place during that period.

If a child is exposed to a communicable disease, it is our policy to contact the parents in writing. Likewise, we appreciate the parents’/carers’ co-operation if their child comes down with or is exposed to an infectious disease, so that the appropriate steps can be taken to notify other Centre users if necessary.

Exclusion periods

The following conditions apply should your child have any of the following illnesses. Please note that this list is not exhaustive. It includes some common examples of illnesses but other illnesses with exclusion periods will also apply. We aim to support the development of the child in terms of their physical, social, creative and intellectual development through activities that are child centred and engaging. Our curriculum is play based and builds on the interests and understanding of all children. We use both indoor and outdoor facilities during all Nursery sessions.

Disease / Illness / Condition Signs and Symptoms Incubation period Exclusion period

Illness / Disease	Condition Signs and Symptoms	Incubation / Exclusion Periods
Measles*	High temperature. Heavy cold, with discharging nose and eyes. Later – harsh cough, conjunctivitis, white spots in cheek, followed by dusky red patchy rash, starting behind the ears and along ears/hairline – spreads to face, trunk and limbs.	4 days from onset of rash.
German Measles (Rubella)*	Slight sore throat, slight fever, enlarged glands behind ears, pain in small joints.	4 days from onset of rash.
Chicken Pox	Slight fever, starts with red spots with white raised centre on trunk and limbs – very irritating rash.	5 days from onset of rash (all spots must be dry and scabbed over).
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)*	Heavy cold with fever, followed by spasmodic characteristic cough and vomiting	48hrs from commencing antibiotic treatment, or 21 days from onset of illness if no antibiotic given
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease	Spots with raised blister head on hands, feet and mouth	We advise 48hrs
Herpes Simplex	Blisters inside cheeks, ulcers on the tongue, cold sores around the mouth	None
Impetigo	Yellow oozing sores with scars on top, itching. Usually around nose and mouth, although it can develop on body Direct contact	Until affected areas are crusted and healed, or 48hrs after commencing antibiotic treatment
Scabies	Itchy mite burrows, visible as red raised spots, especially between the fingers. Intense irritation, sleeplessness	Can return after first treatment
Scarlet Fever		Can return 24hrs after commencing appropriate antibiotic treatment
Diarrhoea / Vomiting	Vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration. In usual circumstances diarrhoea in a child constitutes 3 or more loose stools	48hrs from last episode of vomiting / diarrhoea
Tonsillitis	Very sore throat, white patches on tonsils, swollen glands in neck, aches and pains in back and limbs	None
Mumps Fever	Headache and swelling of jaw in front of ears, difficulty opening mouth	5 days after onset of swelling
Infective Hepatitis (jaundice)	Gradual onset of headache, loss of appetite, nausea, urine dark, faeces pale putty colour	7 days from onset of jaundice
Conjunctivitis	Itching and pain in eyes which become red and inflamed. White discharge or “sticky eye”	None
Thread Worms	Presence of thread worms in stools (white, cotton-like pieces) sore anus, itchy bottom, sleeplessness, lack of appetite	None
Thrush	White patches inside mouth, red rash around mouth or in genital area	Mouth – 24 hours after treatment. Genitals – no exclusion necessary although treatment and good hygiene required
Temperature	Temperatures Normal range for child is 36.1°c -37.2°c. 38.3°c or higher is cause for concern.	Not applicable Until temperature returns to normal
Head Lice	White eggs attached to the hair strands and black flecks or moving bodies over the head.	Must be clear of live lice