At our nursery, the health, safety, and wellbeing of all children is our highest priority. We understand that accidents and illnesses can happen, and we are committed to responding to these situations with care, professionalism, and compassion. By working in partnership with parents and carers, we can help ensure that our nursery remains a safe, healthy, and happy environment for everyone.

We kindly ask parents to support us by keeping children at home when they are unwell. While we appreciate that this can sometimes be challenging, these measures are essential to ensure children’s wellbeing and to reduce the spread of illness within the nursery.

Accidents

If your child has an accident whilst in our care, appropriate first aid will be administered promptly by a qualified member of staff.

• In the event of an emergency, parents/carers will be contacted as soon as possible.

• If it is considered necessary, we will seek emergency medical treatment for your child.

• All of our Early Years Practitioners hold a valid Paediatric First Aid certificate.

• Every accident is carefully recorded and shared with parents/carers at the time of collection.

• Parents/carers will be asked to read and sign the accident form to acknowledge the information provided.

Illness

If your child becomes unwell while attending nursery, we will contact parents/carers and ask that the child is collected as soon as possible.

• While awaiting collection, your child will be cared for in a quiet, calm area with their key person wherever possible.

• Staff will wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when caring for an unwell child.

• If your child has an infectious illness, such as sickness or diarrhoea, they must not return to nursery until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.

• If your child is absent due to sickness or illness, we ask that parents/carers inform the nursery at their earliest convenience.

Supporting Children’s Health and Wellbeing

To help keep all children and staff safe and well, we kindly ask that children are not brought to nursery if they are unwell.

• If your child requires Calpol, ibuprofen, or any other medication to reduce pain or manage a temperature, this usually indicates that they are not well enough to attend nursery. Children should remain at home until they are able to attend comfortably without medication.

• If a child develops a temperature of 38.5°C or above while at nursery, parents/carers will be contacted and asked to collect their child as soon as possible. Children should not return until they are fever-free without the use of medication.

• Children should be well enough to take part in the normal routines and activities of the nursery, including indoor and outdoor play. If a child is lethargic, distressed, in pain, or unable to engage comfortably, we ask that they remain at home to rest and recover.

• This guidance also applies if medication has been given before nursery to mask symptoms, as this can make it difficult for staff to accurately assess a child’s wellbeing during the day.

We recognise that balancing childcare with work and family commitments can be difficult, and we truly appreciate parents’ understanding and cooperation. By following this guidance, you are helping us to protect the health and wellbeing of all children, families, and staff within our nursery community.