Health policy statement.
How we promote and protect the health of children, families, and staff across our centres.
PHILOSOPHY AND GENERAL INFORMATION
Our Centres endeavour to provide a safe and healthy environment at all times for the maintenance of the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of all children, their families, and educators.
Our Centres are responsible for the protection of the good health of all those involved within them and in agreement of this responsibility, high standards of hygiene will be maintained in all areas and pertain to all at the Centres: children, families, educators, and visitors alike.
Policies have been developed to cover the areas of: -
1. Prevention of illness
2. Management of illness
3. Exclusion from the Centre
4. Health management within the Centre
This Health Policy shall be used by all parents of children enrolled at the Centres and shall be distributed to new parents at the time of enrolment. It shall be distributed to all educators and to new educators at the time of employment.
Both educators and parents are expected to abide by the policy guidelines. A copy of the recommended minimum exclusion periods from Staying Healthy – Preventing Infectious Diseases in Early Childhood Education and Care Services 6th Edition 2024 and the N.S.W. Health Department "Stopping the spread of childhood infections” notifications are attached to the back of this policy. Current immunisations schedule information is regularly checked at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation Our centre follows the practices and information provided in "Staying Healthy – Preventing Infectious Diseases in Early Childhood Education and Care Services 6th Edition”.
1. PREVENTION OF ILLNESS
Areas of prevention include:
1.1 PROVIDING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
Each Centre operates according to Education and Care Services National Regulation and National Quality Standards to provide a safe environment for children, educators, and visitors.
1.2 IMMUNISATION RECORDS
Parents who wish to enrol their child are required to provide a copy of one or more of the following at the time of enrolment:
A current Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) Immunisation History Statement which shows that the child is up to date with their scheduled immunisations) in line with the NSW Immunisation Schedule.
A current AIR Immunisation History Form on which the immunisation provider has certified that the child is on a recognized catch-up schedule) in line with the NSW Immunisation Schedule.
An AIR Immunisation Exemption – Medical Contradiction Form which has been certified by an immunisation provider for a child who cannot receive one or more vaccine(s) for medical reasons.
The following groups of children have 12 weeks from the date of enrolment to provide immunisation documentation as it is recognised they may need extra time to source records:
Children subject to a guardianship order under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998.
Children placed in out of home care.
Children being cared for by an adult who is not their parent due to exceptional circumstances like illness or incapacity.
Children who have been evacuated following a state of emergency.
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children.
The AIR maintains immunisation records for children up until their 20th birthday and can be contacted on 1800 653 809. AIR Immunisation History and Exemption forms are available on the Services Australia website https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/
Parents/guardians must provide the Service with an updated copy of their child’s immunisation record when the child receives a vaccine which is on the National or State immunisation schedule. We will regularly remind parents to do this via the centre App, emails, or letters.
1.3 EDUCATION OF CHILDREN, EDUCATORS AND FAMILIES
Children at our Centres are instructed appropriately by educators on the concepts of good health and hygiene.
Children learn concepts of good health and hygiene by being encouraged to:
Keep their own body clean
Keep their hair, nails, and teeth clean
Cover their mouth when coughing using appropriate cough and sneeze etiquette
Cover their nose when sneezing using appropriate cough and sneeze etiquette
Blow their own noses with tissues which are immediately disposed of and washing their hands
Wash their hands after toileting
Wash their hands before and after eating
Avoid picking their noses
Keep any open sores covered while at the Centre
Be aware of the importance of the need for rest and relaxation
Avoid placing objects, other than food or eating utensils, in their mouths
Recognise that their bodies need rest, food, and movement for good health.
2. MANAGEMENT OF ILLNESS
Management may take the form of:
2.1 FIRST AID
Please see First Aid Policy for more detailed information. Details of any injury sustained to the head, face, or a substantial cut and first aid given to a child must be recorded on the Accident/Illness/Injury form on the APP and the Director is to be informed. Parents will be notified of these events on collection of their child, through the app or earlier if necessary and must sign the report made. This will be sent to the families via the centres app and families can sign the form digitally.
If a child requires further medical attention, staff will ring the parents or emergency contact and assess whether staff are able to wait until parents arrive. If unable to contact parents or emergency contact staff will call designated doctor or ambulance to transfer to the nearest public hospital.
Parents have already given their permission on the Enrolment Form and are required to pay all costs. One staff member must accompany the child to the hospital and wait for the parents. The Department must be notified if the child is hospitalised using a serious incidents form submitted through the NQAITS Portal on the ACECQA website www.acecqa.gov.au.
If medication is to be administered at any Centre, authorisation details must be written daily on a Medication form via the centre app. However, in the case of an emergency administration of paracetamol (Panadol for fever), verbal authorisation is sufficient, or authorisation on child’s enrolment form. Educators will complete a sickness/accident/injury report via the app for administration of paracetamol, to be signed by the parent/guardian at the time of collection.
In the case of emergency management of Anaphylaxis or Asthma, medication may be administered to a child without an authorisation. Emergency Services and a parent of the child must be contacted as soon as practicably possible.
Please remember that:-
No medication will be given without written permission.
Medication must be in the original container and prescribed for the child by a medical practitioner.
Medication should never be left in a child's bag. Please hand the medication to a staff member.
Medications must be in their original container with the dispensing label attached with the child’s name and dosage instructions clearly printed on it (not a sibling’s). The dispensing label should list the child as the prescribed person, the strength of the drug and frequency it is to be given. This applies to all medications regardless of whether they are non-prescribed medications (such as teething gels, nappy creams, cough medicines) or prescription medications (such as antibiotics)
If medication is administered over a prolonged period, the Director can request a medications
management plan from the child’s doctor.
Children on any long-term medication need to supply the Centre with a management plan from their doctor.
All anaphylactic or asthmatic children need to provide the centre with a copy of an anaphylaxis or asthma management plan from their doctor.
2.2 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OF HIGH FEVER
Normal Temperature is between 36.5°C and 38.0°C.
If a Baby / Toddler / Child’s temperature is between 37.5°C and 37.9°C – retest within 30 minutes
If a Baby / Toddler / Child’s temperature is 38.0°C or over: -
(Ensure child’s temperature is taken under the arm using a digital thermometer only).
Calm child and observe.
Dress the child in light clothing to keep them cool.
Cover the child with a sheet if they are shivering.
Keep the room at a comfortable temperature by adjusting the heating or opening a window.
Give them plenty of cool, clear fluids to drink. Give extra breastmilk, formula or cool boiled water if the child is under 6 months.
Wipe their head with a warm sponge or facecloth.
Re-check child’s temperature to see if it continues to rise after 10 minutes.
If temperature continues to rise after 10 minutes, complete the following steps:
Contact the child’s parent, guardian or nominated person and ask them to collect the child as soon as possible. Advise them to take the child to their Doctor.
Check the child’s records to find if permission for Paracetamol has been given. Obtain specific consent by telephone or email from parent, guardian or nominated person regarding whether a dose of Paracetamol should be given.
Paracetamol should only be administered to a child who has a temperature of 38.5°C or above and is in discomfort or pain.
Paracetamol will only be administered to a child, if that child has been in attendance at the centre for at least 4 hours on that day and with the appropriate consent from the parent, guardian or nominated person.
If a child is less than 3 months and has a fever above 38°C contact the child's parent and ask them to take the child to the Doctor or nearest hospital emergency department. If a child is less than 3 months old and their fever is 38.5°C or above call an ambulance ‘000’ immediately.
If the child’s temperature is above 38.5°C and consent has been given by the parent, guardian or nominated person, administer one dose of paracetamol. (Dosage of paracetamol should be based on the age of the child and the lower does for their age range given.) Be aware that there are numerous dose forms and concentrations of paracetamol for children.
Children aged under 1 years of age should use Infant Panadol (1 month-1 years)
Children aged over 1 years of age should use Children’s Panadol (1-5years).
Ensure the child is well hydrated by offering small, frequent amounts of cool water to drink until the child is collected by their parent, guardian or nominated person.
Complete an accident/illness/injury form on the app ready for the child’s parent, guardian or nominated person to sign when collecting the child.
Continue to monitor the child closely until they are collected.
If the child becomes drowsy, has difficulty breathing, has a stiff neck or the responsible person deems the child is worsening call an ambulance ‘000’ immediately.
If the child’s temperature reaches 40°C or higher call ‘000’ immediately and request an ambulance.
If the child has a seizure or febrile convulsion call ‘000’ immediately and request an ambulance.
2.3 SEGREGATION
To avoid transmission of an infectious disease to other children, a child evaluated as requiring exclusion from the Centre for an infectious illness will be separated where possible from the other children until they are collected by parents.
3. EXCLUSION FROM THE KINDERGARTEN
Decisions regarding the exclusion of children from any Centre are made in accordance with NSW Health and "Staying Healthy – Preventing Infectious Diseases in Early Childhood Education and Care Services 6th Edition". Where official guidelines are not available, the decision for exclusion rests with the Director of the Centre.
If there is an outbreak of COVID in the service (5 or more cases within a 7-day period) or if the service is to be closed due to the impacts of COVID-19, the service will report this to the Department of Education and Communities through the NQAITS portal.
If there is a positive case in the service, the service must ensure that a parent or an authorised emergency contact of each child being educated and cared for by the service is notified as soon as practicable. This is a requirement under the Education and Care Services National Regulations (Regulation 88(2)).
Symptoms of COVID-19 include but are not limited to:
Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing)
Runny nose
Loss of taste
Loss of smell
Other reported symptoms of COVID-19 include fatigue, acute blocked nose (congestion), muscle pain, joint pain, headache, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
Additional guidelines for exclusion include: -
Diarrhoea illness
Vomiting
High temperature (38.0°C or above).
Symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection (i.e., cough, coloured nasal discharge, sore throat earache) associated with a fever 38.0°C or above.
Generalised body rash
Non-infectious illness, where the educators consider the child is too ill to be cared for adequately at the Centre.
Any coloured discharge from the eyes.
Children must have a full day at home without these symptoms before returning to the Centre 48hours for diarrhoea and vomiting.
Children not immunised due to a medical condition, or on a recognised catch up schedule, will be excluded when vaccine-preventable diseases may be in the service.
Any live eggs or lice in hair which may be spread to others in the Centre. If a child has live eggs or headlice they need to be kept at home until effective treatment has begun and there are no live lice present.
A medical certificate is required before the child may return to the Centre for any other illness stated above and on the back of this document that requires exclusion from the centre and at the Director’s request.
Parents are requested to notify the Director if their child is diagnosed as having any potentially transmittable illness. This may be indicated on the noticeboard, via email or via the Centre’s App, to alert educators to monitor for symptoms in other children and for families to monitor for symptoms in their child/ren.
If your child complains of any illness before they attend the Centre, please consider their attendance carefully and notify the Centre if your child is not to attend as expected. If your child has any condition which requires the administration of Ibuprofen or Paracetamol, they should not attend the centre that day.
Children on antibiotics MUST have a minimum of 3 dosages before the child returns to the centre.
RETURNING TO CARE AFTER SURGERY
• Children who have undergone any type of surgery will need to take advice from their doctor/surgeon as to when it is appropriate and safe to return to care.
• Children will require a medical clearance stating the child is fit and able to return to the Service and participate in daily activities.
4. HEALTH MANAGEMENT WITHIN THE KINDERGARTEN
The maintenance of a hygienic environment minimises the risk of contraction and spread of illness, which is the responsibility of all staff. Germs can most effectively be controlled by frequent cleaning of objects which come into contact with children and by handwashing.
4.1 CLEANING
Surfaces and objects contaminated with blood, urine, vomitus, or stool are cleaned with warm water and detergent immediately and disinfected if necessary.
Bathrooms are cleaned daily with detergent and warm water.
Toilets are flushed regularly.
Staff wear disposable gloves when handling blood or body fluid, soiled items, and cleaning bathrooms.
4.2 DISINFECTING
Surfaces and objects contaminated with blood, urine, vomitus or stool and nappy area, clean first with detergent, and warm water and then disinfect if necessary.
Hard surfaces are cleaned with detergent and warm water.
Mouthed objects are cleaned with detergent and warm water and allowed to air dry.
Contaminated materials are washed in detergent in a machine on a hot setting (above 60°C).
4.3 HANDWASHING
Staff wash their hands: -
| Before | After |
|---|---|
Starting work, so germs are not introduced into the service Nappy changing Eating or handling food Giving medication Putting on gloves Applying sunscreen or other lotions to one or more children Going home, so germs are not taken home with you | Taking off gloves Changing a nappy Cleaning the nappy change area Using the toilet Helping children use the toilet Coming in from outside play Wiping a child’s nose or your own nose Eating or handling food Handling garbage Cleaning up body fluids - faeces, vomit, or blood Applying sunscreen or other lotions to one or more children Touching animals Giving medication Giving first aid |
4.4 PROCEDURE
How to wash hands with soap and water
The process of thoroughly washing, rinsing, and drying your hands or a child’s hands should take around 30 seconds.
Steps to washing hands:
1. Wet hands with running water.
2. Apply soap to hands.
3. Lather soap and rub hands thoroughly, including the wrists, the palms, between the fingers, around the thumbs and under the nails. If you wear rings or other jewellery on your hands move the jewellery around your finger while you rub to ensure that the area underneath the jewellery is clean. Rub hands together for at least 20 seconds (for about as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice).
4. Rinse thoroughly under running water.
5. Dry hands thoroughly with paper towel.
How to clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub
Only use an alcohol-based hand rub if your hands are not visibly dirty. The hand rub should contain 60–80% alcohol.
There are three steps to using alcohol-based hand rub
1. Apply the amount of hand rub recommended by the manufacturer to palms of dry hands.
2. Rub hands together, making sure you cover in between fingers, around thumbs and under nails.
3. Rub until hands are dry (alcohol-based sanitisers are self-drying, so you do not need a paper towel or hand towel). This should take about 20 seconds.
Sourced: Education and Care Services National Regulations
National Quality Standards
The Australian Immunisation Handbook
NSW Health www.health.nsw.gov.au
Westmead Children’s Hospital - website fact sheet
Staying Healthy – Preventing Infectious Diseases in Early Childhood Education and Care Services 6th Edition 2024
Recording infections in children.
Centre Support
Health Direct
Department of Education
This policy is the property of Eikoh Seminar Australia Pty Limited and must not be reproduced without the consent of management.