Snapdragons values each child’s health and we do everything we can to prevent infection when children are at nursery.
Children are encouraged to wash their hands regularly and practice good hygiene. Toys and equipment are regularly sterilised and cleaned by members of the Snapdragons team.
Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, some children will pick up illnesses, many of which are contagious even before they display symptoms. Because of this we enforce strict exclusion periods for children suffering from certain illnesses or symptoms to reduce risk of cross-infection within the nursery, both towards other children and our parents and employees.
The notes below describe some of the most common illnesses. Where a return date is shown, it is the same date as in our Health, Hygiene & Illness policy, which staff follow. NHS links are there for symptoms and how to care for your child at home. If you are unsure when your child can come back, check the policy or ask your nursery.
Why we have exclusion periods
Nurseries balance keeping everyone well with welcoming children back as soon as it is safe. Some illnesses spread quickly in group care; short exclusions help protect babies, pregnant staff, and children with additional health needs.
For some illnesses, including hand, foot and mouth, conjunctivitis, and slapped cheek, we ask children to stay at home for longer than NHS and UK Health Security Agency guidance. Young children are in close contact, and these illnesses spread quickly in nursery. The return date staff follow is in our Health, Hygiene & Illness policy .
Examples you may be asked about
Return dates for named illnesses are in our Health, Hygiene & Illness policy .
You may also be asked about:
- Sickness and diarrhoea: stay at home until your child has been free of symptoms for 48 hours and feels well.
- A high temperature or an unnamed rash: stay at home, and seek advice if you are worried.
- Chickenpox, hand, foot and mouth, and other named illnesses: follow the return date in the illness policy.
- Antibiotic treatment: check the illness policy before your child returns. The time at home depends on the illness.
Medication at nursery
Never bring unlabelled medicine. Complete the medication form in the Parent Portal for anything to be given on site, and tell your key person about allergies or changes.
Chickenpox
A very common childhood illness caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It spreads easily.
Keep your child at home until the spots have crusted over and they feel well.
The full exclusion table is in our Health, Hygiene & Illness policy .
- Itchy spots anywhere on the body, which blister and crust
- High temperature before or with the rash
- Generally unwell feeling for a few days
Conjunctivitis
Infection or inflammation of the thin layer covering the eye. Many cases are viral and mild; sticky or watery discharge is typical.
Keep your child at home until treatment has been given for at least 24 hours. For very young children this is often cleaning the eye with warm water, rather than a prescription. NHS and UK Health Security Agency guidance does not require exclusion for conjunctivitis. We ask for this time at home because of close contact in nursery.
The full exclusion table is in our Health, Hygiene & Illness policy .
- Red or pink appearance in one or both eyes
- Sticky eyelids or discharge, watering
- Gritty or itchy feeling - children may rub their eyes
Hand, foot and mouth disease
A common viral illness in young children. It is unrelated to foot-and-mouth in animals and usually clears within a week to ten days.
Keep your child at home until they are well, the spots have crusted over and they are no longer weeping. NHS and UK Health Security Agency guidance does not require exclusion once a child is well enough to attend. We ask for this longer time at home because of close contact in nursery.
The full exclusion table is in our Health, Hygiene & Illness policy .
- Mouth ulcers and sore throat
- Small spots or blisters on hands and feet - and sometimes buttocks
- Mild fever and reduced appetite while unwell
Impetigo
A contagious bacterial skin infection. It spreads through close contact or shared towels - and needs antibiotic treatment from a clinician.
Keep your child at home until the spots have healed. NHS guidance can allow a return 48 hours after antibiotic treatment starts. Snapdragons asks families to wait until the spots have healed.
The full exclusion table is in our Health, Hygiene & Illness policy .
- Golden crusts often around the nose or mouth
- Sores or blisters that ooze before crusting
- Can itch or sting
Measles
A serious, highly contagious viral illness. Telephone your GP surgery before attending in person if you suspect measles. MMR vaccination offers strong protection.
When your child can return is set out in our Health, Hygiene & Illness policy .
- Cold-like symptoms followed by rash that spreads behind the ears and down the body
- Sensitivity to light, sore red eyes
- High fever; small spots inside the cheeks (Koplik spots) - not always easy to spot
Mumps
A viral infection that causes swollen glands around the face and jaw. Serious complications are uncommon but vaccination (MMR) remains important.
When your child can return is set out in our Health, Hygiene & Illness policy .
- Painful swelling below the ears or jaw, often worse when chewing
- Fever and joint ache
- Headache; sometimes mild abdominal pain before swelling appears
Sickness and diarrhoea
Viral gastro-enteritis spreads quickly in group care. Hydration matters; antibiotics are rarely needed unless a doctor says otherwise.
Keep your child at home until they have been free of sickness and diarrhoea for 48 hours and they feel well.
The full exclusion table is in our Health, Hygiene & Illness policy .
- Vomiting, watery diarrhoea, tummy cramps
- High temperature occasionally
- Dehydration if fluids are not kept up - watch wet nappies, tears when crying
Slapped cheek syndrome (fifth disease)
A mild viral rash common in childhood, caused by parvovirus B19. Adults and pregnant carers should speak to midwife or occupational health.
When your child can return is set out in our Health, Hygiene & Illness policy .
- Bright red “slapped” cheek rash on face
- Lacy rash on trunk, arms, or legs afterward
- Mild fever, runny nose, or sore throat before the rash appears