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.
Please take a look below to find some of the most common illnesses children may suffer from and note the enforced exclusion periods for each. You can also read more by clicking on the links to the NHS website. All of our exclusion periods are decided upon after consultation with the Department of Health.
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.
Examples you may be asked about
Settings often take advice from UK Health Security Agency guidance and local health protection teams. Common themes include:
- Sickness and diarrhoea - usually a clear period at home after the last episode before return.
- High temperature or unnamed rashes - stay home, seek advice if you are worried.
- Chickenpox, hand foot and mouth, or other labelled infections - follow the setting’s return dates.
- Antibiotics - some infections need 48 hours of treatment before return; others do not.
Medication at nursery
Never bring unlabelled medicine. Complete the nursery medication form 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; your nursery will confirm when your child can return after the rash has crusted.
Follow your setting’s advice and NHS guidance - children are often excluded until all blisters have crusted over.
- 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. Your nursery will follow local exclusion advice.
Settings vary; bacterial conjunctivitis may need prescription drops and sometimes a short period at home until treatment has started.
- 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.
Your nursery may ask you to stay home until your child feels well enough and any high temperature has gone; fluids and rest help.
- 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.
Typically stay home until 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment - or until lesions are dry/crusted, per NHS and setting 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.
Excluded for at least four days from when the rash first appears; follow public health guidance and setting instructions.
- 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.
Excluded for five days after parotid (salivary) glands swell - often longer depending on nursery and health protection team advice.
- 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.
Usual childcare guidance is clear for 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting before return - follow your nursery’s wording.
- 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.
Once the rash is present, children are usually no longer contagious; any exclusion is mainly if they feel unwell - but confirm with setting and NHS.
- 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