Exclusion

IProcedure to be followed for the exclusion of children who are ill or infectious.

The confidentiality of a child or adult with an infectious disease or illness will be maintained.

In the case of a notifiable or communicable disease, it will be necessary to inform everyone who attends the school of the situation. It is also a requirement of the Children Act Regulations to notify OFSTED of any infectious disease that a qualified medical person considers notifiable.

Whilst the rights of the individual with regard to equality of access and opportunity are always respected, in the case of an infectious disease or illness it is paramount that consideration is given to all individuals and that the infection is not passed on to others.

If a child falls ill whilst attending Head Start, contact will be made immediately with the appropriate carer who will be asked to collect the child as soon as possible. If the responsible carer cannot be reached, the emergency contacts will be used. All appropriate care will be given to the sick child during the interim period.

Excluding children or adults who have certain infectious diseases helps to prevent other children or adults from becoming infected. The following table provides guidance on appropriate exclusions periods for some common infections.

Disease Exclusion Period
Chickenpox For 5 days after rash appears
Conjunctivitis Until free of symptoms
Diarrhoea and vomiting Until free of symptoms for at least 24 hours
Hand, foot and mouth disease None
Hepatitis A For 5 days after onset of jaundice
Impetigo Until lesions are crusted or healed
Measles For 5 days after rash appears
Mumps For 5 days after onset of swollen glands
Ringworm None although proper treatment by the GP is important
Rubella (German Measles) For 5 days after the onset of the rash
Scabies Until treated
Scarlet fever For 5 days after commencing antibiotics
Threadworms None
Tuberculosis CCDC will advice on necessary action
Whooping cough (pertussis) For 5 days after commencing antibiotics