Health & Illness

At Stepping Stones Early Learning Centre, the health and wellbeing of all children is our highest priority. To ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone, we ask parents to follow the guidelines below when their child is unwell.

These policies help protect all children, families, and educators in our centres.

Sick And Accident Management

Sick children will not be accepted in the centre and will be sent home, a medical certificate needs to be presented to confirm when the child is fit for school.

If a child becomes ill at the centre, we will take every step possible to contact parents. In the meantime, the sick child will be kept in a sick bay while being taken care by a carer until the parents collect their child.

We will expect parents to cooperate with us by not bringing children to the centre if they have any infectious or contagious illness such as fever, cough, runny nose, rashes, lice and nits, vomiting, diarrhoea, sore throat.

Parents need to call the centre before 8am to advise that the child will not be attending the centre.

Parents also need to call to let their centre coordinator know when the child will be returning.

Staff will also be asked not to attend work under the same circumstances.

When Children Should Stay Home

If your child is unwell, we kindly ask parents to keep them at home until they have fully recovered.

Children should not attend the centre if they have symptoms such as:

  • Fever

  • Vomiting or diarrhoea

  • Persistent coughing or breathing difficulties

  • Rash or contagious skin conditions

  • Conjunctivitis (eye infection)

  • Head lice or similar conditions

  • Any infectious illness

Keeping children at home when they are sick helps prevent the spread of illness to other children and staff.

Returning to Childcare

If your child has been absent due to illness a medical certificate from a doctor will be required before returning to the centre.

This ensures that your child is fully recovered and ready to participate safely in daily activities.

Parents are kindly asked to notify the centre before 8:00am if their child will be absent due to illness.

If a Child Becomes Sick at the Centre

If a child becomes unwell during the day:

  1. The child will be cared for and made comfortable by an educator.

  2. Parents or guardians will be contacted as soon as possible.

  3. The child may be moved to a quiet area while waiting to be collected.

Parents will be asked to collect their child promptly so they can rest and recover at home.

Medication Policy

To ensure the safety of all children, medication can only be administered at the centre under specific conditions.

Medication may only be given if:

  • It has been prescribed by a doctor

  • Parents provide clear written instructions

  • A medical care plan is completed

All medications must be handed directly to staff and will be stored safely.

Hygiene and Health Practices

Maintaining a healthy environment is a shared responsibility between the centre and families.

At Stepping Stones we promote healthy practices such as:

  • Regular hand washing for children and staff

  • Daily cleaning and sanitisation of classrooms and equipment

  • Safe disposal of nappies and waste

  • Encouraging children to practice good hygiene habits

These measures help reduce the spread of illness and create a safe learning environment.

Supporting Your Child’s Wellbeing

We understand that children may occasionally feel unwell or need extra care. By working together with families, we can ensure children receive the rest and attention they need while also protecting the wellbeing of the entire centre community.

If you have any concerns about your child’s health or attendance, please feel free to speak with your centre coordinator.