Infection control

Last reviewed: July 30 2024

Last updated: July 30 2024

Good practice infection control is paramount in early years settings. Young children’s immune systems are still developing, and they are therefore more susceptible to illness.

Prevention

Minimise contact with individuals who are unwell by ensuring that those who have symptoms of an infectious illness do not attend settings and stay at home for the recommended exclusion time (see below UKHSA link).
Always clean hands thoroughly, and more often than usual where there is an infection outbreak.
Ensure good respiratory hygiene amongst children and staff by promoting ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach.
Where necessary, for instance, where there is an infection outbreak, wear appropriate PPE.

Response to an infection outbreak

Manage confirmed cases of a contagious illness by following the guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)

Informing others

Early years providers have a duty to inform Ofsted of any serious accidents, illnesses or injuries as follows:

anything that requires resuscitation
admittance to hospital for more than 24 hours
a broken bone or fracture
dislocation of any major joint, such as the shoulder, knee, hip or elbow
any loss of consciousness
severe breathing difficulties, including asphyxia
anything leading to hypothermia or heat-induced illness

In some circumstances this may include a confirmed case of a Notifiable Disease in their setting, if it meets the criteria defined by Ofsted above. Please note that it is not the responsibility of the setting to diagnose a notifiable disease. This can only be done by a clinician (GP or Doctor). If a child is displaying symptoms that indicate they may be suffering from a notifiable disease, parents must be advised to seek a medical diagnosis, which will then be ‘notified’ to the relevant body. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the setting may be contacted by the UKHSA, or may wish to contact them for further advice.

Further guidance

Good Practice in Early Years Infection Control (Alliance Publication)