We are currently experiencing high levels of sickness amongst the children here – and this is reflected across Islington. We are taking a number of steps to reduce the spread of infection in nursery. Please remember that if your child has vomiting or diarrhoea then she or he should not return to nursery for 48 hours. If your child is sick and has to be picked up from nursery, then the First Aider will advise you on the soonest day your child can return.
I understand that it is difficult to juggle family commitments, jobs, deadlines and having a sick child at home.
But the more we can reduce the spread of infection, the less sickness we will have – which will benefit everyone. The nursery school’s policy on winter sickness has been previously given out this term (please ask if you would like another copy). The policy on high temperatures is attached to this newsletter.
Babies and young children at Kate Greenaway with fevers (high temperatures)
Introduction: information from NHS Direct
A normal temperature is between 36-36.8ºC (96.8-98.24ºF). In children, any temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above is considered high and is classed as a fever.
To find out if your child has a fever, a First Aider at Kate Greenaway will use the special ear thermometer.Most fevers are caused by infection or other illness. Fever helps the body fight infections by stimulating natural defence mechanisms. Conditions that can cause fevers are flu, ear infections, roseola (a virus causing a temperature and rash), tonsillitis, kidney or urinary infections, or any of the common childhood diseases such as measles, mumps, chicken pox and whooping cough.Occasionally, a high temperature can happen if a young child (especially newborn) is overdressed in a hot environment because they can't regulate their own body temperature. Teething may also cause a slight rise in body temperature. Babies and children can sometimes get a fever within 48 hours of being immunised.
Kate Greenaway Policy
If babies and children appear unwell then this is referred to a qualified First Aider. The First Aider will take and record the child’s temperature.
The overall judgement of the First Aider is paramount. If a First Aider judges that a child is too unwell to be in nursery, then the head or person deputising will be informed and parents contacted to pick the child up.
If a child’s temperature is over 38ºC then parents will be contacted and asked to pick the child up. At the time of contact the parent should be informed of the temperature and should be asked for an estimated arrival time at Kate Greenaway.
If the child is unusually sleepy, won't take fluids or has other worrying symptoms, such as an unusual rash, headache, neck stiffness or difficulty breathing, then the parent will be strongly advised to take the child immediately to the GP/seek medical advice. If necessary the First Aider will phone 999 for an ambulance if the parent is not close to the nursery and the child’s state is deteriorating.
Febrile convulsions are fits (seizures) that sometimes happen in children (between 6 months and 6 years) who have high temperature. They can happen as a result of any illness that causes a high temperature, over 39C (102F) and can be worrying because they look similar to an epileptic fit. If the fit goes on for more than 4- 5 minutes, or there is a second fit, the First Aider will call 999 for an ambulance. In all cases, the parent will be strongly advised to take the child to the GP/seek medical advice after a fit.
In all cases, when the parent picks the child up the First Aider should give advice on treatment, seeking medical advice, and whether the child should attend the next day. Children are expected to stay off if advised, unless contrary advice is given by the GP. Calpol can be administered to children if it has been prescribed by a GP.
Children with a low temperature
Sometimes the temperature of babies and young children can drop below the normal range. If a child has a low temperature then:
Wrap the child up with further layers of clothing;
Encourage the child to move around (but not so much as to raise a sweat which will cause the temperature to fall again);
Do not rub or massage the child
The overall judgement of the First Aider is paramount. If a First Aider judges that a child is too unwell to be in nursery, then the head or person deputising will be informed and parents contacted to pick the child up.
News from the Community Services
Dad’s group
Did you know that Dad’s Group runs the first Saturday in every month? The next group is this week, Saturday December 6th, 10am-12. This is a free friendly group open to all Dads and male carers (step dads, uncles, granddads…) and their under fives and offers access to the big nursery garden and loads of fun activities. In the new year we plan to join forces with Bemerton Children’s Centre and offer some free swimming lessons for Dads and babies/children at the Cally Pool, watch this space for more details! (or ask Jan or Dean).
Jan
News from Nursery
Handa’s Surprise
We have tickets to see a performance of the wonderful story Handa’s Surprise on Friday afternoon. If you would like to come with your child please meet at the nursery at 1.30pm. There is no cost for the tickets.
Review Day
Please remember to check with your key person about your child’s review.
Michele
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