HEALTH

Medicine

At our nursery, we adhere strictly to a policy of accepting only prescribed medicines. If a prescription includes a specific plan, we require a copy of that plan before admitting the child into our care. Written consent from parents is mandatory for administering any form of medication. In cases where specialised knowledge is necessary for administering a medication, we reserve the right to delay admission or suspend childcare until our staff receive appropriate training. With parental consent, we may administer paracetamol to children experiencing high temperatures while under our care. However, we retain the right to refuse the administration of nursery-provided paracetamol at any time. Our procedure for administering nursery paracetamol is as follows:

• Initially attempting natural methods to reduce the temperature.
• Checking the Medicine Consent Form for prior written consent.
• Contacting parents to inquire about recent medication or health changes.
• Administering paracetamol and documenting it on the medication consent form if consent is provided.
• Contacting parents for child collection if the temperature persists or another high temperature occurs within a specific timeframe.
• Notifying parents via daily message sheets and email.

If parental consent for paracetamol administration is not given, we will promptly contact parents for child collection and notify them accordingly. We do not administer paracetamol for teething unless accompanied by a high temperature, and during pandemics or outbreaks, paracetamol administration is suspended. Additionally, children are best cared for at home by their parents when unwell.

Sickness

Maintaining high hygiene standards is crucial in promoting the good health of all children in our care and minimising the spread of infections. We promptly inform parents if a contagious infection is identified in the nursery, providing guidance on early detection and necessary actions. Our procedures align with the Infection Control in Schools and other Childcare Settings guidance, including exclusion criteria and treatment recommendations.

We reserve the right to refuse admission to unwell children in accordance with our Sickness and Medicine Policy.

Rashes

We conduct regular checks on children throughout the day, including their hair, nappies, and skin, to identify any rashes. If a rash is unidentified or suspected to be contagious or requiring medical attention, we promptly notify parents to collect their child for medical assessment. For the safety of all children and staff, we may defer admission until a medical note is received from the child's doctor.

Sunscreen

To ensure the well-being of all children, sunscreen application is a standard practice regardless of racial background. Parents may provide their unopened sunscreen, which we keep at the nursery. Additionally, we supply sunscreen with parental consent.

Unless specified on the notice/prescription, our sunscreen application procedures include:

• Applying sunscreen 30 minutes before outdoor activities on sunny days.
• Monitoring UV levels throughout the day.
• Avoiding direct sunlight between 11 am and 3 pm on hot days.
• Reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours or more frequently based on activity levels.

We reserve the right to defer admission if sunscreen application is not feasible until advised by a medical professional.

Sleep and Rest Time

Children are not coerced to sleep or stay awake in our setting. We encourage younger children to nap after lunch, while older children engage in quiet time. Any child requiring sleep is accommodated throughout the day. We refrain from waking children unless they have slept for extended periods, in which case we gently call their names. Records of sleep times are not maintained for children over 3. If patents do not wish their child to sleep at nursery, they can opt for early pick up, afternoon or mini sessions. Children attending morning sessions will be encouraged to nap if at nursery after 1pm. Children finishing at 2pm can be picked up at 1 pm if parents dress not wish for them to nap.

Importance of day time sleep

Daytime sleep is crucial for children's physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. It supports their growth, learning, behaviour, and overall health, making it an essential component of their daily routine. Daytime sleep, particularly napping, plays a crucial role in children's overall health and development. Here are some reasons highlighting the importance of children sleeping during the day:

1. Physical Rest and Recovery: Just like adults, children's bodies need rest to recover from the physical activities and stimuli they experience throughout the day. Daytime sleep provides this essential rest, allowing their muscles to relax and recharge.
2. Cognitive Development: Daytime sleep has been linked to cognitive development in children, including memory consolidation, problem-solving abilities, and overall cognitive functioning. It helps reinforce learning and information processing, enhancing their ability to absorb and retain new knowledge.
3. Emotional Regulation: A well-rested child is better equipped to manage emotions and regulate behaviour. Daytime sleep can help reduce irritability, crankiness, and emotional outbursts by giving children the opportunity to reset and recharge emotionally.
4. Physical Growth: Adequate sleep, including daytime naps, is crucial for physical growth and development in children. Growth hormones are primarily secreted during sleep, supporting bone and muscle growth, immune function, and overall physical health.
5. Improved Mood and Behavior: Children who nap during the day often exhibit improved mood, attentiveness, and behavior compared to those who are sleep-deprived. Daytime sleep can help prevent overstimulation and fatigue, leading to more positive interactions and engagement with their surroundings.
6. Enhanced Learning and Performance: Research suggests that children who nap during the day may perform better academically and exhibit improved concentration and attention span. Daytime sleep helps optimise brain function, making it easier for children to focus and participate actively in learning activities.
7. Overall Health and Well-being: Adequate sleep, including daytime naps, is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being in children. It supports immune function, reduces the risk of obesity and related health issues, and promotes optimal growth and development.

By prioritising consistent schedules, creating conducive sleep environments, and addressing any underlying sleep issues, parents can help promote healthy sleep habits for their children both during the day and at night.

Accidents and Incidents

In the event of a minor injury, our protocol entails:

• Providing immediate first aid and closely monitoring the child's condition.
• Documenting a brief account of the accident or incident on the message sheet or parent's App.
• Promptly completing the accident form.
• Offering parents advice and reassurance as needed.
• Sharing the completed accident form via email to one of the registered email addresses. Parents have the option to create a shared email address for receiving notifications about accidents.
• Verbal feedback about accidents/incidents is provided only under specific circumstances outlined in our policy. If an accident form is not received within one working day, parents can request a copy through email, text message, or phone call.

In the case of a severe injury, our procedure includes:

• Administering first aid and seeking immediate medical assistance.
• Following medical advice and promptly informing the parents/carers about the injury.
• Completing the accident form immediately and sharing it with medical professionals and the parents.
• Recording the accident/incident and adhering to our policy and procedure for notifying regulatory authorities.

During emergencies:

• Transporting the child to the hospital may be necessary using the nursery vehicle, a taxi, or a staff member's car if deemed safe.
• Accompanying the child in the ambulance if required.
• Contacting parents/carers to either accompany the child to the hospital or collect them for home monitoring based on medical advice.

Following any injury, we request parents to:

• Monitor their child at home for signs of worsening symptoms or serious injury.
• Seek medical advice promptly if the child displays signs of severe injury.
• Take their child to the hospital if any concerns arise.
• Understand that minor injuries, while seemingly insignificant, may require medical attention to prevent complications.

Signs of a serious/significant head injury may include:

• Unconsciousness, difficulty staying awake, or clear fluid leaking from nose or ears.
• Bruising or bleeding from ears, balance problems, or vision issues.
• Seizures, memory loss, persistent headache, or vomiting since the injury.
• Any unusual behavior or signs of skull damage.
• This list is not exhaustive, and seeking medical advice is recommended if concerned about a child's well-being, even without visible signs of serious injury.