Require exclusion of sick children from nurseries
The Issue
Working as a nursery nurse, I am constantly exposed to infections such as Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. Each time sick children are allowed to attend nursery, I end up feeling drained, exhausted, and sometimes too unwell to participate in the activities I love, such as visiting my 80-year-old nana. The current policy allows children with contagious infections to return far too soon, putting not only the health of staff members like myself at risk but also that of our families and the wider community.
In the UK, nurseries are not required by law to exclude children with certain infectious diseases unless they pose a significant threat to public health. According to the NHS, conditions like Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease are quite contagious, particularly in environments where children are in close proximity. Yet, there is no mandatory exclusion period enforced, meaning these viruses can spread rapidly among children and staff in nursery settings.
A robust policy is needed that recognizes the health of nursery staff as equally crucial to the learning environment. An effective solution is to implement a compulsory exclusion period for children diagnosed with infectious diseases. For example, instituting a minimum exclusion period of 48 to 72 hours after symptoms subside would allow ample time for recovery while significantly limiting the spread of infection.
Studies have shown that transmission rates can be reduced by more than 70% when proper exclusion policies are observed in childcare settings. Additionally, this measure would alleviate pressure on the already strained healthcare system by preventing needless transmission of infections.
Revising nursery policies will not only protect staff and allow them to continue working without ongoing health issues but also ensure the safety of our vulnerable family members at home. It’s crucial to shift towards a solution that respects the health and well-being of all affected parties, rather than solely focusing on attendance.
By signing this petition, you will be part of a movement to urge the government to establish mandatory exclusion periods for children with contagious infections in nurseries. Let's work together for healthier nursery environments and communities.
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The Issue
Working as a nursery nurse, I am constantly exposed to infections such as Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. Each time sick children are allowed to attend nursery, I end up feeling drained, exhausted, and sometimes too unwell to participate in the activities I love, such as visiting my 80-year-old nana. The current policy allows children with contagious infections to return far too soon, putting not only the health of staff members like myself at risk but also that of our families and the wider community.
In the UK, nurseries are not required by law to exclude children with certain infectious diseases unless they pose a significant threat to public health. According to the NHS, conditions like Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease are quite contagious, particularly in environments where children are in close proximity. Yet, there is no mandatory exclusion period enforced, meaning these viruses can spread rapidly among children and staff in nursery settings.
A robust policy is needed that recognizes the health of nursery staff as equally crucial to the learning environment. An effective solution is to implement a compulsory exclusion period for children diagnosed with infectious diseases. For example, instituting a minimum exclusion period of 48 to 72 hours after symptoms subside would allow ample time for recovery while significantly limiting the spread of infection.
Studies have shown that transmission rates can be reduced by more than 70% when proper exclusion policies are observed in childcare settings. Additionally, this measure would alleviate pressure on the already strained healthcare system by preventing needless transmission of infections.
Revising nursery policies will not only protect staff and allow them to continue working without ongoing health issues but also ensure the safety of our vulnerable family members at home. It’s crucial to shift towards a solution that respects the health and well-being of all affected parties, rather than solely focusing on attendance.
By signing this petition, you will be part of a movement to urge the government to establish mandatory exclusion periods for children with contagious infections in nurseries. Let's work together for healthier nursery environments and communities.
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Petition created on 19 September 2026