Parents Notice
Please note we have had an outbreak at the setting of vomiting and diarrhoea over the past few days. We need to work together to reduce the spread of the infection.
The children have been involved in outdoor activities today whilst the entire setting was deep cleaned and steamed through and notified Public Health.
We will continue to express the significance of washing our hands and assisting our children when they do so to as this helps the prevent the spread of the infection.
We must stress the importance of following the 48-hour rule thoroughly. We cannot allow any children or staff back into the setting until at least 48 hours from the last episode of either vomiting or diarrhoea. We have also requested anyone with these symptoms to go and get a PCR Covid test.
Here is some information about the illness from the Public Health.
Norovirus is commonly known as Winter Vomiting Disease and occurs commonly in the community and in schools and nurseries in particular at this time of the year.
What are the symptoms?
• Diarrhoea and vomiting usually lasting 1 -2 days
What should you do if your child is unwell?
• Make sure they get lots of rest.
• Ensure they drink plenty of fluids, taking sips rather than gulps to avoid vomiting.
• Give infant Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, according to product instructions, to help keep their temperature down.
• If your child is unusually sleepy, won’t take fluids or has other symptoms, such as blood in their diarrhoea, an unusual rash, headache, neck stiffness or difficulty breathing, ring NHS 111, contact your GP or take your child to hospital.
• Please ring your child’s nursery/ school and let them know that your child is ill and what symptoms they have.
• Keep them at home until they are well enough to return to school. However, if your child has been suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting keep them at home until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours. How can you prevent the spread of these infections? Hand washing is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of both of these infections. This applies to the child who is ill and the person looking after them. Hands should always be washed, using liquid soap if possible: •
Before and after caring for your child.
• After using the toilet.
• Before eating or handling food.
• After cleaning up a mess (vomit, faeces or urine). Other ways of preventing the spread of infection are to:
• Keep a separate towel for family members who have symptoms.
• Dispose promptly of used tissues and other items that your child may have coughed or sneezed on. • Wash soiled clothing, bed linen and towels in a washing machine. Use the hottest wash for that fabric.
• Clean baths and washbasins thoroughly and disinfect after use.
• If cleaning up diarrhoea or vomit, wash the surface with hot soapy water and disinfect before allowing to dry. If using bleach remember that it can remove the colour from fabrics and can burn the skin. Keep your child away from other children and people that are particularly vulnerable, e.g. the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
You can also go on to Diarrhoea and vomiting - NHS (www.nhs.uk) for more information.
If you would like to discuss anything, please do not hesitate to contact myself on the details below. Thank you for your continuous support.
Samantha Ross
Childcare Manager
01514869719