Illness Policy

(Updated EYFS September 2025)

Policy Statement: At Just Little Ones Childminding, we prioritise the health and well-being of all children in our care. This illness policy outlines our approach to preventing the spread of illnesses and maintaining a safe and healthy environment in alignment with EYFS 2025 guidance.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Children exhibiting symptoms of illness will be temporarily excluded from the setting to reduce infection risk.
  • We adhere to local health authority guidelines on exclusion criteria for common illnesses.

Parental Communication:

  • Parents or legal guardians will be immediately informed if their child becomes ill at the setting.
  • Parents are required to arrange prompt collection of their ill child.

Symptoms Requiring Exclusion: Children must be excluded if they exhibit:

  • Fever (temperature of 100.4°F or higher)
  • Vomiting or diarrhoea (two or more episodes in 24 hours)
  • Severe coughing or breathing difficulties
  • Severe sore throat or difficulty swallowing
  • Persistent or severe headache
  • Rash accompanied by fever or behavioural changes
  • Red, runny eyes with discharge
  • Other symptoms deemed concerning by the childminder

Return Criteria:

  • Children may return after being symptom-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
  • For communicable illnesses, a doctor’s note confirming the child is no longer contagious will be required.

Proper Hand Hygiene:

  • Regular handwashing with soap and water (minimum 20 seconds) is encouraged for staff and children.
  • Hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol will be accessible throughout the setting.

Cleaning and Sanitization:

  • Regular cleaning and sanitization routines are followed, focusing on frequently touched surfaces and toys.
  • Bedding, clothing, and items used by ill children will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before reuse.

Health Records and Emergency Contacts:

  • Parents must provide current health records, including vaccinations and emergency contacts.
  • Emergency contact details will be easily accessible at all times.

Medication Administration:

  • Medication administration follows strict guidelines and is conducted with written parental consent.
  • All medications are securely stored and administered according to instructions and regulations.

Reporting Illness Outbreaks:

  • Suspected contagious illness outbreaks will be promptly reported to local health authorities.

Review and Monitoring:

  • This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if necessary, ensuring effectiveness and compliance with EYFS 2025 and local guidelines.
  • Feedback from staff, parents, and external agencies will inform continuous policy improvement.

Alignment with EYFS 2025 Changes:

  • This policy reflects the EYFS 2025 emphasis on robust health and hygiene standards, proactive illness prevention, and clear parental communication, ensuring children’s welfare is consistently safeguarded.

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