Microsoft word - childrens illness policy.doc

Children’s Illness Policy
If children appear unwell during the day – have a temperature, sickness, diarrhea or pains, particularly in the head or stomach – the manager or a member of staff calls the parents and asks them to collect the child, or send a known carer to collect on their behalf. If a child has a temperature, they are kept cool by removing top clothing, sponging their heads with cool water but kept away from draughts. Temperature is taken using a infrared Ear Thermometer and depending on the temperature reading action is taken according to the following: in children under five, a fever (high temperature) is a temperature over 37.5C (99.5F)
in children five and over, a fever is a temperature of 38C (100.4F) or over
Treating a high temperature in children
A fever is a temperature of over 37.5°C. Fevers are quite common in young children and are usually mild. If your child’s face feels hot to the touch and they look red or flushed then they may have a fever. You can check their temperature with a thermometer. Measured under the arm, normal temperature is about 36.4°C (97.4°F). Under the tongue, normal temperature is slightly higher at about 37°C (98.4°F). This may vary a bit. If you're worried speak to your GP or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647. If the surgery is closed, contact your GP out-of-hours service. If you're still concerned, or if your GP or out-of-hours service can’t come quickly enough, take your child straight to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department of your nearest hospital. Always contact your GP, health visitor, practice nurse or nurse practitioner if: your child has other signs of illness as well as a raised temperature your baby’s temperature is 38°C (101°F) or higher (if they’re under three months), or your baby’s temperature is 39°C (102°F) or higher (if they’re three to six months) If the doctor doesn’t find a reason for the temperature they may ask you to collect a urine sample in a sterile container so they can test for infection. How to treat a fever
It’s important to keep your child hydrated. Even if your child isn’t thirsty try to get them to drink little and often to keep their fluid levels up. Don’t give them food unless they want it. Treat discomfort and fever with paracetamol or ibuprofen (always follow the dosage instructions carefully). The following suggestions may help your child feel more comfortable: Give your child plenty of cool clear fluids. Undress them to their nappy or vest and pants. Cover them with a sheet if necessary. Keep the room well aired and at a comfortable temperature (about 18°C (65°F)) by adjusting the heating or opening a window. If your child is distressed and uncomfortable, try giving them paracetamol or ibuprofen. You can’t give them both at the same time, but if one doesn’t work you may want to try the other later. Always check the instructions on the bottle or packet to find out the correct dose and frequency for your child’s age. If you have a thermometer, take your child’s temperature under their armpit. If it’s above 40-41°C (104-105°F), or if your child still feels feverish, contact your GP or GP out-of-hours service or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647. In extreme cases of emergency the child will be taken to the nearest hospital and the parent informed. Taken from www.nhs.uk
Parents can be asked to take their child to the doctor before returning them to nursery; the nursery can refuse admittance to children who have a temperature, sickness and diarrhea or a contagious infection or disease. The nursery needs to be informed to monitor any other individuals who may become unwell on the premises. Where children have been prescribed antibiotics, parents can be asked to keep them at home for 48 hours before returning to the setting. After sickness or diarrhea parents are required to keep children at home for 48 hours.

Source: http://www.broadoaksnursery.co.uk/Childrens%20illness%20Policy.pdf