Children’s Illness & Infection Policy

(EYFS Updated – September 2025)

Policy Statement: At Just Little Ones Childminding, we prioritise the health, safety, and well-being of all children, staff, and visitors. Our Illness/Infection Policy complies with the revised Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS, September 2025) guidelines, ensuring proactive management to prevent the spread of illness and infection.

Health and Hygiene Practices:

  • We actively promote robust health and hygiene habits, including thorough handwashing, proper respiratory etiquette, and hygienic disposal of tissues.
  • Regular handwashing is reinforced before eating, after toileting, and after contact with bodily fluids.

Sick Child Exclusion:

  • Children displaying symptoms of illness or infection will be required to stay at home until fully recovered or the exclusion period recommended by healthcare guidelines has passed.
  • Parents are asked to keep their child at home if symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, persistent cough, rash, or infectious illness are observed.
  • Parents must inform the childminder promptly of any contagious disease diagnosis.

Isolation and Comfort:

  • Any child showing signs of illness while in care will be gently isolated from others to prevent potential spread.
  • A comfortable, quiet, and supervised area will be provided for the ill child until parent/guardian collection.

Notification of Parents:

  • Parents/guardians will be contacted immediately if their child becomes unwell during care hours.
  • Prompt collection of the sick child by parents/guardians will be required to facilitate appropriate care and limit infection spread.

Medical Attention and Medication:

  • Immediate medical assistance will be sought if a child’s condition necessitates urgent attention, with parents/guardians notified promptly.
  • Medication for ongoing health conditions will be administered according to clear parental instructions, aligning with our Medication Administration Policy and EYFS guidance.

Return to Childminding Setting:

  • Children may return only when symptom-free and meeting guidelines established by health authorities or professional healthcare advice.
  • Return criteria will follow EYFS and local health authority recommendations to ensure child and community safety.

Cleaning and Disinfection:

  • A rigorous cleaning and disinfection schedule is maintained, prioritising high-touch surfaces and shared resources to prevent cross-infection.
  • Appropriate, safe, and effective cleaning products will be utilised consistently.

Documentation and Records:

  • Accurate records of illnesses/infections, including symptoms, onset dates, actions taken, and communications with parents/health authorities, are meticulously kept.
  • Mandatory reporting of contagious illnesses to local health authorities will comply with statutory requirements.

Communication and Collaboration:

  • Regular updates and clear communication will be maintained with parents regarding infection prevention strategies and illness management procedures.
  • Collaboration with local health authorities ensures adherence to current infection control recommendations.

Review and Monitoring:

  • This policy will undergo annual reviews or more frequently as required, ensuring ongoing alignment with EYFS standards, legislative updates, and best practices.
  • Feedback from staff, parents, and health professionals will inform continuous improvement in our illness and infection control procedures.

Alignment with EYFS 2025 Changes:

  • The policy incorporates EYFS 2025 revisions, emphasizing preventive healthcare, robust hygiene practices, transparent communication, and stringent infection control standards.

Signed: Jemma & Dale Ferriday
Date: August 2025
Review Date: April 2027