Coughs and colds go hand in hand with childhood and minor snuffles or days when “slightly under par” are anticipated.
If, however, your child has had a disturbed night, is running a temperature which needs controlling through medication or has not the strength (emotionally or physically) to handle the normal rigours of the day, it is in their interest to be at home, resting in an undemanding, cosy environment. I rely on the parent to assess their child’s health at the beginning of the day and act accordingly in the interest of their own child and the others I care for.
If your child is taken ill while in my care I shall notify the parent immediately and advise on whether or not he/she will be able to manage until the usual collection time or whether he/she would need collecting sooner. If necessary, I shall isolate an infectious child, in the interest of the other children in my care, until the child is collected. Please ensure there is someone local to you who you trust to (and who is willing to) collect and care for your child in the event that you are unable to do so due to work commitments or distance. It may be necessary for your child to be collected immediately, for instance, in the case of vomiting or high fever which requires more individual attention than I can give without neglecting the needs or safety of the other children in my care, irrespective of attempting to contain the infection.
If I have, or any of the children in my care has a confirmed infectious disease, I will inform all parents.
If I have, or any of the children in my care has a notifiable disease, identified as such in the Public Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 1988, I will act on advice given by the Health and Protection Agency (details of which can be found at www.hpa.org.uk) and inform OFSTED of any action taken.
If I succumb to an infectious illness I shall not be able to offer care for the children for the duration, or until clear of symptoms for 48 hours, in accordance with the Health Authority guidelines.
Similarly, I ask parents to ensure they do not return a child to my care until clear of symptoms for 48 hours (this is especially important for stomach/intestinal bugs) or in accordance with the Health Authority guidelines.
I do accept children convalescing from illnesses, who are on courses of antibiotics or similar medication but able to cope with rigours of the day.