Managing illness at First Steps in Poole

At First Steps Nursery in Poole, we strive to create a fun, vibrant, interactive and clean environment. However, nurseries can also be hotspots for the spread of illnesses due to close contact and shared spaces. Understanding how to manage and prevent illness in our nursery setting is crucial for maintaining a healthy environment for all of our children and the team looking after them.

Common illnesses in Nurseries

Children at First Steps Nursery are often exposed to a variety of common illnesses, including:

• Colds and Flu: These are highly contagious and spread through respiratory droplets.

• Gastrointestinal Infections: Such as diarrhea and vomiting, often caused by viruses like norovirus.

• Chickenpox: A highly contagious viral infection causing an itchy rash and blisters.

• Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: A viral infection causing sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet.

• Conjunctivitis: Also known as "pink eye," this is an eye infection causing redness and discharge.

Preventive Measures

To minimize the spread of illnesses, First Steps Nursery implement the following preventive measures:

• Hand Hygiene: We encourage regular hand washing with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the toilet.

• Coughs and sneezes: We teach children to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing.

• Cleaning and Disinfecting: We regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, toys, and equipment.

• Vaccinations: Ensure that children are up-to-date with their vaccinations according to the recommended schedule.

• Healthy Habits: Promote healthy eating, adequate sleep, and hydration to boost children's immune systems.

NHS Guidance on Managing illness

The NHS provides comprehensive guidance on managing children's illnesses in nursery settings. Key points include:

• High Temperature: Keep children at home until their temperature returns to normal.

• Coughs and Colds: Minor coughs and colds are usually not a reason to keep a child at home, but if they have a high temperature, they should stay home.

• Chickenpox: Children should stay home until all spots have crusted over, usually about 5 days after the spots first appear.

• Conjunctivitis: Children can attend nursery unless they feel very unwell.

• COVID-19: Children with mild symptoms can attend nursery, but those with a high temperature or feeling unwell should stay home.

Responding to illness Outbreaks

In the event of an illness outbreak, First Steps Nursery have a clear plan in place:

• Isolation: Isolate affected children to prevent the spread of illness. We will contact parents to collect their child from Nursery as soon as possible.

• Communication: Inform parents and staff about the outbreak and the measures being taken. We will advise parents what our nursery policy is with regard to exclusion periods etc.

• Medical Advice: Seek advice from healthcare professionals where appropriate and follow their recommendations.

• Cleaning Protocols: Increase cleaning and disinfecting efforts, focusing on high-touch surfaces.

Conclusion

Managing children's illness in a nursery environment requires a combination of preventive measures, adherence to NHS guidance, and a proactive response to outbreaks. By implementing these strategies, First Steps Nursery in Poole can create a safer and healthier environment for all children.

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