Health, Illness & Medication Policy

Our approach to children’s health, allergies, medication and illness.

1. Our commitment

At Coltishall and Horstead Preschool, the health, safety and wellbeing of every child is a priority.

We aim to provide a safe, healthy and welcoming environment in which children can learn, play and develop. We recognise that young children may become unwell or have accidents while in our care and we have procedures in place to ensure that they receive appropriate care and first aid.

We work in partnership with parents and carers and, where appropriate, health professionals to support children’s individual health needs.

This policy covers:

• promoting good health and preventing the spread of infection;
• managing children who become unwell;
• first-aid arrangements;
• accidents, injuries and first-aid records;
• emergency medical situations;
• administering and storing medicines;
• allergies and anaphylaxis;
• individual healthcare plans;
• health needs during outings;
• infection control;
• the responsibilities of staff and families.

This policy should be read alongside our Health and Safety Policy, Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, First aid policy, Risk Assessment procedures and Personal Care Policy.

2. Promoting good health

We promote the good health of children by:

• maintaining high standards of hygiene;
• encouraging regular handwashing;
• following appropriate infection-prevention procedures;
• providing appropriate opportunities for physical activity and outdoor play;
• promoting healthy eating and drinking;
• identifying and managing allergies and medical conditions;
• ensuring appropriate first-aid provision;
• maintaining appropriate records of accidents, injuries and first aid;
• working in partnership with families and health professionals;
• following current public-health advice.

We recognise that children’s physical and emotional wellbeing are closely connected and we aim to provide a caring and supportive environment for every child.

3. Children who are unwell

We ask parents and carers not to bring a child to Preschool if the child is too unwell to participate comfortably in normal activities or requires more care than staff can reasonably provide while caring for the other children.

Parents and carers should inform Preschool if their child has an infectious illness or has been advised to remain away from an early years setting.

We follow current UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance regarding infectious illnesses and public-health exclusion periods.

Diarrhoea and vomiting

Children who have diarrhoea and/or vomiting should remain at home until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped.

Where a particular infectious disease has a different recommended exclusion period, we will follow the current UKHSA guidance for that illness.

Other illnesses

A child with a high temperature who is unwell should remain at home until their temperature has returned to normal and they are well enough to attend.

Children with mild respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose or mild cough, may normally attend if they are otherwise well and do not have a high temperature.

Parents should contact the Preschool if they are unsure whether their child should attend.

The Preschool may refuse admission where a child is clearly unwell or where attending would not be in the child’s best interests or could present an infection risk to others.

4. If a child becomes unwell at Preschool

If a child becomes unwell during a session:

1. Staff will assess the child’s condition and provide appropriate care.
2. The child will be comforted and supervised by a member of staff.
3. Where appropriate, the child will be cared for separately from other children while waiting to be collected.
4. Parents or carers will be contacted and asked to make arrangements for the child to go home.
5. If the main parent or carer cannot be contacted, the emergency contacts listed on the child’s records will be contacted.
6. Staff will continue to monitor and care for the child until they are collected.
7. Where appropriate, parents may be advised to seek medical advice.

If staff believe that a child requires urgent medical attention, 999 will be called. Parents or carers will be contacted as soon as possible.

If an ambulance takes a child to hospital before their parent or carer arrives, a suitable member of staff will accompany the child where this is appropriate and safe to do so and will remain with the child until responsibility can be handed over to their parent/carer or another appropriate adult.

Staff will continue to maintain appropriate staffing ratios for the other children.

5. First aid

Coltishall and Horstead Preschool recognises the particular first-aid needs of young children.

We ensure that appropriate paediatric first-aid provision is available whenever children are present.

At least one member of staff with a current full Paediatric First Aid (PFA) certificate will be present on the premises and available at all times when children are present.

A member of staff with a valid full Paediatric First Aid certificate will also be present in the room when children are eating.

A member of staff with a current full Paediatric First Aid certificate will accompany children on outings.

We aim to have more than one appropriately trained member of staff wherever reasonably practicable so that suitable cover is available during staff absence, breaks, training and outings.

Paediatric first-aid qualifications will be monitored and renewed before they expire.

First-aid training will be appropriate to the age and needs of the children attending the Preschool and will meet the requirements of the EYFS.

Staff will follow their training and will not undertake medical procedures for which they have not received appropriate training.

6. First-aid equipment

A suitably stocked first-aid box will be available and accessible at all times.

First-aid equipment will be:

• suitable for the needs of young children;
• checked regularly;
• replenished when necessary;
• kept clean and in good condition;
• stored so that it is accessible to staff but not accessible to children.

A first-aid kit will be taken on outings where appropriate.

The contents of first-aid kits will be determined by our first-aid needs assessment and may take account of BS 8599-1 guidance.

7. Accidents, injuries and first aid

If a child has an accident, injury or requires first aid while at Preschool, staff will provide appropriate first aid in accordance with their training.

An appropriate written record will be completed.

The record will include, where appropriate:

• the child’s name;
• date and time;
• what happened;
• the nature of the injury;
• the first aid or treatment provided;
• any action taken;
• whether medical advice was sought;
• the name of the member of staff dealing with the incident;
• confirmation that the parent/carer was informed.

Parents and carers will be informed of an accident, injury or first-aid treatment on the same day, or as soon as reasonably practicable.

Parents will be asked to sign or acknowledge the accident/injury record.

8. Choking incidents

Any choking incident requiring intervention will be recorded and parents/carers will be informed.

Records of choking incidents will be reviewed so that the Preschool can identify any patterns, recurring problems or areas where additional risk assessment or preventative action may be required.

Staff will follow their paediatric first-aid training when responding to a choking incident.

Our food preparation, eating and supervision arrangements are designed to minimise the risk of choking.

9. Serious accidents, injuries and illnesses

If a child suffers a serious accident, injury or illness while in our care, we will take immediate action to protect the child’s health and safety.

This may include:

• providing first aid;
• contacting NHS services or other appropriate medical professionals;
• calling 999;
• contacting parents/carers;
• accompanying the child to hospital where necessary;
• seeking advice from appropriate health or safeguarding professionals.

Where required, the Preschool will notify Ofsted of a serious accident, illness or injury to, or death of, a child while in our care within the required timescale.

We will also consider whether an incident is reportable under RIDDOR and will make a report where the legal criteria are met.

Not every accident or injury is reportable to Ofsted or under RIDDOR.

10. Emergency medical treatment

In an emergency, the health and safety of the child will take priority.

Where staff believe a child needs urgent medical attention, they will call 999.

Parents/carers will be contacted immediately or as soon as reasonably practicable.

Where appropriate, a member of staff will accompany the child to hospital until the child’s parent/carer arrives.

Staff will provide emergency services with relevant information about the child, including known medical conditions, allergies and medication, where this information is available and appropriate to share.

11. Medicines

We recognise that some children may need medication during Preschool hours as part of managing a medical condition.

Staff may administer medication in accordance with this policy and the child’s agreed healthcare arrangements.

Medication will only be administered where the appropriate written parental permission has been obtained.

A written record will be completed each time medication is administered, and parents/carers will be informed on the same day.

12. Prescription and non-prescription medicines

Prescription and non-prescription medicines may be administered where this is appropriate, lawful and supported by the required parental permission and information.

Prescription medicines must be prescribed for the child concerned and must be administered in accordance with the prescription and instructions.

Medicines containing aspirin will only be administered where they have been prescribed by a doctor.

We will not administer medication where there is insufficient information about the medicine, its dosage, its purpose or the child’s needs.

Where medication requires specialist medical or technical knowledge, the Preschool will obtain appropriate training from a suitably qualified healthcare professional before staff are expected to administer it.

13. Consent and medication records

Before staff administer medication, parents/carers must complete the Preschool’s Record and Consent to Administer Medicines form.

The form will include, where appropriate:

• the child’s name;
• the name and purpose of the medication;
• the prescribed or recommended dosage;
• when the medicine should be given;
• any special instructions;
• storage requirements;
• parental consent.

Staff will follow the instructions provided and will not exceed the agreed dosage.

Every administration of medication will be recorded.

The record will include:

• the date and time;
• the name and amount of medication given;
• the name/signature of the person administering it;
• any relevant observations.

Parents/carers will be informed of medication administered.

14. Storage of medicines

Medication will be:

• stored safely and securely;
• kept out of children’s reach;
• stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions;
• kept in its original container;
• clearly labelled with the child’s name where appropriate;
• checked regularly to ensure it is in date;
• returned to the parent/carer when it is no longer required.

Medication requiring refrigeration will be stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and in a secure and appropriate location.

Emergency medication, such as an adrenaline auto-injector or asthma inhaler, must be readily accessible to appropriately trained staff and must not be stored somewhere that would prevent prompt access in an emergency.

15. Long-term medical conditions

Where a child has an ongoing medical condition, the Preschool will work with the child’s family and, where appropriate, health professionals to establish suitable arrangements.

Depending on the child’s needs, this may include:

• an Individual Healthcare Plan;
• an Allergy Action Plan;
• a medication record;
• a risk assessment;
• staff training;
• emergency procedures;
• arrangements for outings and physical activities.

The child’s healthcare arrangements will be reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change in the child’s condition, medication or treatment.

Relevant information will be shared with staff who need it to safely care for the child.

Information will be treated confidentially and handled in accordance with the Preschool’s data-protection procedures.

16. Allergies and anaphylaxis

Before a child starts at Preschool, parents/carers will be asked to provide information about known allergies, intolerances and relevant medical conditions.

Parents must inform the Preschool as soon as they become aware of a new allergy or a change in their child’s condition.

For children with known allergies, the Preschool will work with parents/carers and, where appropriate, healthcare professionals to develop an appropriate Allergy Action Plan.

The plan will identify:

• the child’s known allergy;
• possible symptoms;
• avoidance measures;
• medication required;
• what to do in an emergency;
• who is responsible for administering emergency medication;
• when emergency medical assistance should be called.

Relevant staff will be made aware of the child’s allergy and trained appropriately where medication or specialist treatment is required.

For children at risk of anaphylaxis, emergency medication such as an adrenaline auto-injector will be kept readily accessible in accordance with the child’s healthcare arrangements.

If a child experiences a suspected severe allergic reaction, staff will follow the child’s Allergy Action Plan and their first-aid training and call 999 where emergency medical assistance is required.

17. Food allergies

Parents/carers must provide accurate and up-to-date information about food allergies and intolerances.

We will take reasonable steps to prevent a child coming into contact with a known allergen.

Relevant staff will be made aware of children’s food allergies and the arrangements required to keep them safe.

We will not knowingly provide a child with food containing an allergen identified in their healthcare or allergy arrangements.

We generally do not provide nuts or nut products at Preschool as part of our approach to reducing allergy risks. However, parents should be aware that it may not be possible to guarantee a completely nut-free environment.

18. Individual healthcare plans

Where a child has a medical condition that requires specific support, an Individual Healthcare Plan may be developed with the child’s family and, where appropriate, relevant healthcare professionals.

The plan may include:

• details of the child’s condition;
• medication and dosage;
• symptoms and warning signs;
• emergency procedures;
• staff responsibilities;
• training requirements;
• arrangements for activities and outings;
• arrangements for obtaining emergency medical assistance;
• review arrangements.

Healthcare plans will be reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change in the child’s needs.

19. Specialist medical procedures

Where a child requires specialist or invasive medical treatment, such as the use of medical equipment, feeding tubes, emergency medication or other procedures, the Preschool will work with parents/carers and appropriate healthcare professionals to determine whether the child’s needs can be safely met.

Before staff undertake a specialist procedure, appropriate training will be obtained from a suitably qualified healthcare professional.

The Preschool will ensure that:

• written parental consent is obtained;
• appropriate medical information is available;
• staff undertaking the procedure have received appropriate training;
• an appropriate healthcare plan and/or risk assessment is in place;
• emergency arrangements are clearly understood;
• insurance arrangements are considered where appropriate.

The Preschool will not ask an untrained member of staff to undertake a medical procedure requiring specialist knowledge or training.

20. Children with disabilities or additional health needs

We aim to make reasonable and appropriate arrangements to enable children with disabilities, medical conditions or additional health needs to participate fully in Preschool life.

Where necessary, we will work with families, health professionals and other relevant agencies to identify appropriate support and reasonable adjustments.

We will take account of the child’s individual needs when planning activities, physical play, outings, meals and emergency procedures.

21. Medicines and outings

Where a child requires medication during an outing:

• the medication will accompany the child;
• medication will be stored safely and accessibly;
• staff accompanying the child will be aware of the child’s medical needs;
• required consent and healthcare information will be available;
• a suitably trained member of staff will accompany the child where necessary;
• emergency arrangements will be understood by accompanying staff.

Emergency medication must be readily accessible and must not be left in a location where it cannot be obtained quickly.

If a child requires hospital treatment during an outing, their medication and relevant healthcare information will accompany them where appropriate.

22. Infection prevention and control

We maintain high standards of hygiene throughout the Preschool.

Staff and children are encouraged to:

• wash hands regularly with liquid soap and water;
• wash hands after using the toilet and after nappy changing;
• wash hands before preparing or eating food;
• cover coughs and sneezes appropriately;
• dispose of tissues safely;
• avoid unnecessary sharing of personal items;
• maintain appropriate cleaning routines;
• follow appropriate procedures when dealing with bodily fluids.

Alcohol hand gel will not be relied upon as a substitute for handwashing where soap and water are required, particularly when managing illnesses such as norovirus.

23. Bodily fluids

Staff will use appropriate protective equipment when dealing with blood, vomit, urine or faeces.

This may include disposable gloves and aprons.

Soiled clothing will be placed safely in a suitable bag for parents/carers to take home.

Spillages of bodily fluids will be cleaned promptly using appropriate cleaning products and procedures.

Cleaning materials will be disposed of safely and appropriately.

Staff will follow universal infection-control precautions and will not make assumptions about a person’s health status based on a medical condition.

24. Nits and head lice

Head lice are not normally a reason for exclusion from Preschool.

Parents/carers will be informed if head lice are identified or suspected and will be advised to treat the child in accordance with appropriate health advice.

We will maintain confidentiality and will not identify individual children when communicating general information to families.

25. Infectious diseases and outbreaks

Parents/carers should inform the Preschool if their child is diagnosed with an infectious disease.

We will follow current UKHSA guidance regarding exclusion periods and infection-control measures.

Where appropriate, we may inform other families that an infectious illness has occurred within the Preschool. Information will be shared in a way that protects the confidentiality of the individual child.

If there is an outbreak or unusual increase in illness, the Preschool will seek advice from the appropriate health-protection professionals and follow any advice provided.

During an outbreak or public-health emergency, the Preschool may introduce additional infection-control measures where these are recommended by UKHSA, the local Health Protection Team or another appropriate authority.

Any such measures will take account of the needs and wellbeing of the children.

26. Notifiable diseases

Certain infectious diseases are legally notifiable to the appropriate authorities.

Where the Preschool becomes aware that a child or member of staff has been diagnosed with a notifiable disease, we will follow current UKHSA guidance and any advice provided by the local Health Protection Team.

The Preschool will comply with any applicable reporting requirements.

Where an illness also meets the criteria for notification to Ofsted, the Preschool will make the required notification within the relevant timescale.

27. Health information and confidentiality

Information about a child’s health, medication, allergies and medical conditions will be treated as confidential.

Relevant information will be shared with staff who need it to safely care for the child.

Health information will be stored securely and handled in accordance with our data-protection and confidentiality procedures.

Information may be shared without parental consent where this is necessary to protect a child or another person, or where there is another lawful basis for doing so.

28. Responsibilities of staff

All staff are responsible for taking reasonable steps to protect children’s health and safety.

Staff must:

• follow this policy and related procedures;
• maintain appropriate hygiene standards;
• report accidents, injuries and concerns;
• administer medication only where authorised and appropriately trained;
• maintain confidentiality;
• keep healthcare information up to date;
• follow children’s individual healthcare and allergy plans;
• seek help in an emergency;
• attend required training;
• inform the manager of any concerns about a child’s health or wellbeing.

The manager is responsible for ensuring that:

• appropriate first-aid provision is maintained;
• staff qualifications and training are monitored;
• first-aid kits are checked;
• medication procedures are implemented;
• records are maintained;
• healthcare plans are reviewed;
• relevant staff are informed of children’s medical needs;
• statutory notifications are made where required.

29. Responsibilities of parents and carers

Parents and carers are asked to:

• provide accurate information about their child’s health and medical needs;
• inform the Preschool about allergies, intolerances and medical conditions;
• provide up-to-date emergency contact details;
• provide written consent where medication is to be administered;
• provide medication in its original container and in date;
• inform the Preschool of changes to medication or dosage;
• inform the Preschool if their child has an infectious illness;
• follow current public-health advice regarding exclusion from Preschool.

Parents should tell the Preschool if there are any changes to their child’s health or medical needs.

30. Emergency contact arrangements

Parents/carers must provide current emergency contact details.

If a child becomes seriously ill or injured, the Preschool will contact the child’s parent/carer as soon as possible.

If the first emergency contact cannot be reached, the Preschool will contact the other emergency contacts provided by the family.

Parents/carers are responsible for ensuring that emergency contact information remains accurate.

31. Review of this policy

This policy will be reviewed regularly and whenever there is a significant change to:

• legislation;
• the EYFS statutory framework;
• public-health guidance;
• first-aid requirements;
• medication arrangements;
• the needs of children attending the Preschool;
• the Preschool’s procedures.

Staff will be informed of significant changes and additional training will be provided where necessary.

Legislation, Statutory Guidance and Related Documents

This policy has regard to the following legislation, statutory guidance and guidance:

• Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework for Group and School-Based Providers, Department for Education
• Childcare Act 2006
• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR), where applicable
• Equality Act 2010, where relevant
• Children and Families Act 2014, where relevant to children with medical conditions and special educational needs
• UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) – Health protection in children and young people settings, including education
• UKHSA – Public health exclusion periods in children and young people’s settings
• Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – First aid at work
• BS 8599-1 – Workplace first-aid kits, where used as guidance

This policy should always be read alongside the current version of the EYFS statutory framework and current public-health guidance.