Minor Illness
On average, 370,000 children attend accident and emergency (A&E) and 40,000 children are admitted to hospital as an emergency each year (PHE, 2018). Early Years settings can help prevent the spread of infection through good practice. They can also teach children about germs and the importance of handwashing.
National Guidance
Guidance: Health protection in schools and other childcare facilities a practical guide for staff on managing cases of infectious diseases in childcare settings
Infection Control Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). They recommend that all children from pre-school age and above be taught when and how to wash and dry their hands. This supports the EYFS framework for Physical Development ELG 05 Health and self-care.
Winter-readiness (infection prevention) information for South East England schools and nurseries by Public Health England. Contains planning checklist, key messages, and resources.
Advice and resources
The NHS Healthier Together app has been designed for parents/carers to access care for their child(ren) more easily. It provides advice on symptoms and guides parents/carers to the right place for help, including contacting their GP if needed.
NHS 111 can help if there is an urgent but not life-threatening medical problem or you’re unsure what to do. It is available 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. Available online or call 111.
Your Pharmacist, Health Visitor or GP can usually help with general concerns. They may refer on for specialist advice if appropriate.
A&E and 999 ambulance service are only for critical or life-threatening situations. This includes cases such as major head injuries, severe bleeding, burns, broken bones, breathing difficulties, severe allergic reactions or other situations that you are really worried about. You do not need an appointment at A&E but may need to wait a while.
How to Wash your Hands video
Handwashing song to engage little ones from NHS Youtube (third party website, we do not endorse content)
Is my child too unwell to go to nursery/school today? Guide from Wessex Healthier Together
A visual guide to rashes from the NHS
How long should you keep your child off school?
While sepsis is relatively rare, it is helpful to be able to recognise symptoms. More information is available here: Sepsis awareness resources