Illness & Medication

To protect the health and wellbeing of all children and staff, we ask that children do not attend nursery if they are unwell or infectious. Below is our exclusion guidance.

Sickness & Diarrhoea

Vomiting and/or diarrhoea: Children must remain at home for 2 full days after the last episode.

Temperature & General Illness

High temperature (38°C or above): Children should remain at home until their temperature has returned to normal without medication.

General unwellness (lethargic, persistent crying, not themselves):

Children should stay home until well enough to participate fully in nursery activities.

Infectious Illnesses

  • Chickenpox: Exclude until all spots have crusted over.
  • Measles: Exclude for 4 days from onset of rash.
  • Scarlet Fever: Exclude for 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
  • Impetigo: Exclude until lesions are crusted or healed, or 48 hours after starting antibiotics.
  • Hand, Foot & Mouth: Exclude if unwell or have open/weeping sores.
  • Conjunctivitis: No exclusion required unless child is unwell or unable to manage.
  • Slapped Cheek: No exclusion required once rash appears (child is no longer infectious).
  • Head Lice: No exclusion required once treatment has begun.
  • Threadworm: No exclusion required once treatment has started.

Respiratory Illnesses

  • COVID – 19 / Flu-like symptoms: Children should remain at home if they have a high temperature and return when well.
  • Severe cough or breathing difficulties: Children should remain at home and seek medical advice if necessary.

Other Conditions

  • Meningitis: Immediate exclusion and medical advice required.
  • Whooping Cough: Exclude for 48 hours after starting antibiotics (or 21 days from onset if untreated).
  • Norovirus: 2 full days exclusion after last episode of sickness/diarrhoea.

Medication Policy

  • Children who have been prescribed antibiotics may return to nursery 24 hours after their first dose, provided they are well enough to participate in normal activities. Antibiotics must be started before the child returns to nursery.
  • All prescribed medication must be in its original packaging with the child’s name and dosage instructions clearly labelled.
  • Parents must complete a medication consent form before administration.
  • If a child has been given paracetamol, ibuprofen or similar temperature-reducing medication before attending nursery, parents must consider whether their child is well enough to participate in a full day of activities. Medication may temporarily reduce symptoms but does not mean a child is well enough to attend.

Nursery staff reserve the right to refuse care if a child is not well enough to attend, even if exclusion times have passed. We appreciate parents’ support in helping us maintain a safe and healthy environment for all children and staff.