16/03/2026
Posting in response to the news of a Meningitis outbreak this morning....
๐๐จ ๐ข๐ฎ ๐๐๐๐ก๐ ๐ฌ๐๐ก๐ก ๐๐ฃ๐ค๐ช๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐?
key points regarding illnesses:
Fever/Temperature: Children must be fever and fever controling medication-free for 48 hours before returning.
Coughs & Colds: Mild colds with clear mucus are fine. Thick green/yellow mucus, persistent coughs, or symptoms that disturb sleep mean your child should stay home.
Vomiting & Diarrhoea: Children must remain home for 48 hours after the last episode.
Any sickness within the setting will be treated as an illness. Parents will be contacted immediately to collect their child.
Rashes: Do not send your child in with any new rashes. Any new rash must be checked by a medical professional before returning.
Specific Illnesses:
Whooping Cough โ 5 days absence after starting antibiotics
Slapped Cheek โ 5 days from rash onset
Measles โ 5 days from rash onset
Tonsillitis โ 48 hours after starting antibiotics
Threadworms โ 5 days from onset of immediate medication. This allows the medication to work and to kill off the worms. A second treatment is needed. The whole family will need to be treated.
Highly contagious illnesses (chickenpox, HFMD) โ Must remain home until every spot is scabbed over.
Ear Infections: Must be assessed by a doctor and follow guidance on return.
Conjunctivitis: Does not need to be seen by a doctor ( unless child is under 2 years old ) but must be treated. Children may return after 24hrs of treatment once eyes are clear and free from green or yellow discharge.
Head Lice: Children may return after full treatment.
Medication & Vaccinations: Children on new medication or after vaccination should remain home for 48 hours to monitor for reactions.
Sleep & Wellbeing: Poor sleep, tiredness, or not feeling well may affect behaviour; children will be asked to stay home.
Key Reminders:
Parents must report absences and reasons.
Any injuries that happen outside of the setting must be reported.
Reported illnesses are taken seriously with deep cleans, and in worst-case scenarios, temporary closure may occur.
Billie's Childminding reserves the right to refuse attendance for safety and wellbeing reasons.
Parents are encouraged to use this as a guide and always prioritise their childโs health and the safety of all children when deciding whether to attend the setting.
