At Altona Early Education, the health and safety of every child in our care is our top priority. We know that young children are still building their immune systems, which means they can be more vulnerable to everyday illnesses like colds, flu, and tummy bugs.
That’s why we follow strict procedures to help prevent the spread of illness, respond quickly when a child becomes unwell, and support families with clear communication and care.
If you’re wondering how we manage sickness at our centre, here’s what you need to know.
Preventing Illness Before It Starts
Prevention is always the first step. We take proactive measures every day to reduce the risk of spreading germs and keep our environment as healthy as possible.
Our key prevention strategies include:
- Frequent handwashing for staff and children (before meals, after bathroom use,
after outdoor play, etc.) - Daily cleaning and disinfecting of toys, surfaces, and shared spaces
- Encouraging good hygiene habits such as covering coughs and sneezes
- Staying up to date with immunisations for staff and children (as per government
guidelines) - Ventilating rooms and allowing time for outdoor play to reduce indoor exposure
Recognising Signs of Illness
Our educators are trained to monitor children’s wellbeing throughout the day. If a child shows signs of illness—such as a fever, persistent cough, vomiting, diarrhoea, or unusual fatigue—we act quickly.
We also rely on parents to let us know if their child is feeling unwell before drop-off. If you suspect your child might be getting sick, it’s always best to keep them at home and monitor their symptoms.
What Happens If a Child Becomes Sick During the Day?
If a child starts showing signs of illness while at our centre, we follow this simple process:
- We isolate the child in a comfortable, quiet area away from others
- We contact the parent or carer immediately to arrange for prompt pick-up
- We monitor the child closely and offer comfort until they are collected
- We clean and sanitise any areas the child has been in contact with
This helps minimise the risk of other children or staff becoming unwell.
When Can a Child Return After Being Sick?
To help keep all children safe and healthy, we follow exclusion periods based on advice from
health authorities. In general:
- Children with fevers, vomiting or diarrhoea should stay home for at least 24–48
hours after symptoms stop - If a child has a contagious illness (like conjunctivitis, COVID-19, hand-foot-mouth,
etc.), they must remain at home for the advised period - We may ask for a doctor’s clearance before a child returns in certain cases
Communication With Families
We believe in open, clear communication with families when it comes to illness. If there’s a confirmed case of a contagious condition at the centre, we notify all relevant families while maintaining privacy and confidentiality.
We also keep parents informed about any updates to health policies, exclusion periods, or seasonal outbreaks (like flu season).
We’re Here to Help
We understand how tricky it can be when your child is unwell, especially if you’re balancing work and family life. At Altona Early Education, we’re here to support your family through it—with care, understanding, and a strong focus on keeping all children safe. If you have any questions about our illness management policy or need advice about when your child should stay home, please get in touch with our friendly team.
Contact Altona Early Education today for guidance and support.
