Download 2.7 Dealing with Infectious Diseases Policy

SERVICE POLICIES
HANDBOOK
2.7 Dealing with Infectious Diseases Policy
May 2016
Mandatory – Quality Area 2
Purpose
This policy will provide clear guidelines and procedures to follow when:

a child attending Clare Court Children’s Service (Clare Court) shows symptoms of an Infectious Disease (refer to
Definitions)

a child at Clare Court has been diagnosed with an Infectious Disease (refer to Definitions)

managing and minimising the spread of Infectious Diseases (refer to Definitions), illnesses and Infestations
(refer to Definitions) (including head lice).

managing and minimising infections relating to blood-borne viruses.
This policy also includes information on child immunisation.
Policy Statement
1.
Values
Clare Court is committed to:

providing a safe and healthy environment for all children, staff and any other persons attending the service

responding to the needs of the child or adult who presents with symptoms of an Infectious Disease (refer to
Definitions)or Infestation (refer to Definitions) while attending the service

complying with current exclusion schedules and guidelines set by the Victorian Department of Health and
Human Services (DHHS)

providing up-to-date information and resources for families and staff, including information on immunisation
programs, regarding protection of all children from Infectious Diseases (refer to Definitions), blood-borne
viruses (refer to Definitions) and management of Infestations (refer to Definitions).
All educators/staff at Clare Court are committed to preventing the spread of Infectious Diseases (refer to
Definitions) through simple hygiene practices such as hand washing, effective cleaning procedures, monitoring
immunisation records and complying with recommended exclusion guidelines and timeframes for children and
educators/staff.
In addition, Clare Court supports the Immunise Australia Program and National Immunisation Program (NIP).
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2.
Scope
This policy applies to all members of the Clare Court community; this includes the Director (Nominated Supervisor),
Management (Certified Supervisor), the Board and various committee members, educators, staff, students on
placement, volunteers, parents/guardians, children and others attending the programs and activities of Clare Court,
including during offsite excursions and activities.
3.
Background
Infectious diseases are common in children. Children often start being cared for at Clare Court before their immune
systems are fully developed, at an age when they may be too young to be vaccinated against some diseases, and
when their previous exposure to agents of infection is limited. Interactions between children, and between
children and staff, mean that children are at a greater risk of exposure to infections in a children’s service than at
home. Infectious diseases can spread quickly in child care settings.
Infectious diseases are covered in several sets of regulations, by the general law and are referred to in the National
Quality Standards.
The Education and Care Service National Law Regulations
These regulations require Clare Court to have policies and procedures to be followed if a child is injured, or
becomes ill, or suffers a trauma at Clare Court (Regs.85, 168). If any such event occurs, a parent must be notified as
soon as practicable (Reg. 86), and the event, including actions taken by Clare Court staff, must be recorded (Reg.
87).
The regulations also require Clare Court to have policies and procedures relating to dealing with Infectious Diseases
(refer to Definitions) (Reg. 168). If there is an occurrence of an Infectious Disease (refer to Definitions) at the
service, Clare Court must take reasonable steps to prevent the spread of that Infectious Disease (refer to
Definitions), and Clare Court must also notify the parent or authorised emergency contact person for each child at
the services of the occurrence as soon as practicable (Reg. 88).
Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009 (Vic)
The Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009 (Vic), administered by the DHHS, requires reporting of a limited
number of specific diseases (Pertussis, Poliomyelitis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, or Meningococcal C (Public Health
and Wellbeing Regulations 2009, Reg.84(1)).
Additionally, the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations also provide for minimum periods of exclusion from
primary schools and children services centres for Infectious Diseases (refer to Definitions) cases and contacts
(Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009, Sch.7).
No Jab No Play
The ‘No Jab, No Play’ Victorian law became operative from 1 January 2016. This law, which amended the Public
Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, requires that before a child can be enrolled at Clare Court, the Service must first
obtain evidence that the child is:

fully immunised for their age, or

on a vaccination catch-up program, or

unable to be fully immunised for medical reasons
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Where vaccinations are available, Clare Court considers this to be the best control against Infectious Diseases (refer
to Definitions). The Victorian Government offers an immunisation program for children to assist in preventing the
spread of Infectious Diseases (refer to Definitions). A standard immunisation calendar is available at
www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/factsheets/schedule-victoria.htm. Parents/guardians can obtain
immunisation records online from the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register or at any Medicare office.
Occupational Health and Safety Act
The Occupational Health and Safety Act is concerned with creating safe workplaces. The main risks arising from
Infectious Diseases (refer to Definitions) in a childcare setting are from exposure to blood and bodily fluids,
particularly in the context of first aid treatments.
National Quality Standards
Standards 2.1, 6.2 and 7.3 are applicable to dealing with Infectious Diseases (refer to Definitions).
Standard 2.1
Standard 6.2
Standard 7.3
Each child’s health is promoted
Element 2.1.1
Each child’s health needs are supported
Element 2.1.3
Effective hygiene practices are promoted and implemented
Element 2.1.4
Steps are taken to control the spread of infectious diseases and to
manage injuries and illness, in accordance with recognised guidelines
Families are supported in their parenting role and their values and beliefs about childrearing
are respected
Element 6.2.1
The expertise of families is recognised and they share in decision making
about their child’s learning and wellbeing
Element 6.2.2
Current information is available to families about community services and
resources to support parenting and family wellbeing
Administrative systems enable the effective management of a quality service
Element 7.3.2
Administrative systems are established and maintained to ensure the
effective operation of the service
Element 7.3.5
Service practices are based on effectively documented policies and
procedures that are available at the service and reviewed regularly
General Duty of Care
In addition to the regulatory and statutory provisions, children’s services centres have a general legal duty of care
to ensure that everyone attending the service is provided with a high level of protection during all hours that the
service is in operation. Protection can include:

notifying children, families and educators/staff when an Infectious Disease or other illness is detected at the
service

complying with relevant health department exclusion guidelines

increasing educator/staff awareness of cross-infection through physical contact with others.
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Contractual Obligations
Clare Court has contractual obligations in its Service Agreement with the Department of Education and Training
(DET) to comply with a range of statutes, statutory regulations, protocols and DET policies when providing its
services. Clare Court has similar obligations in its Service Agreement with Maribyrnong City Council. Insofar as
these obligations relate to Infectious Diseases (refer to Definitions), they have taken into account in this policy.
Procedures
The Approved Provider (Clare Court), led by the Nominated Supervisor (Director), is
responsible for:
Taking Steps to Prevent the Spread of an Infectious Disease

ensuring that where there is an Occurrence (refer to Definitions) of an Infectious Disease (refer to Definitions)
at Clare Court, reasonable steps are taken to prevent the spread of that Infectious Disease (Education and Care
Services National Regulations, Reg.88(1))
Enrolment

ensuring that the enrolment of a child at Clare Court is not confirmed unless the child’s parent or guardian has
provided Clare Court with an Immunisation History Statement (refer to Definitions) dated within two months
of the child’s intended first day of attendance at Clare Court, and that this statement indicates either that the
child is age appropriately immunised or that immunisation of the child with one or more vaccines would be
medically contraindicated (Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 s.143B)
Notification to Parents/Guardians by Clare Court

ensuring that a parent or guardian of a child who becomes ill while at Clare Court are notified as soon as
practicable and in any event within 24 hours (Education and Care Services National Regulations, Reg.86)

ensuring that where there is an Occurrence (refer to Definitions) of an Infectious Disease (refer to Definitions)
at Clare Court, a parent, guardian or authorised emergency contact of each child enrolled at Clare Court is
notified of the Occurrence as soon as is practicable (Education and Care Services National Regulations,
Reg.88(2)), such notification to include details of the type of Infectious Disease

ensuring that a parent or guardian of a child enrolled at Clare Court is informed within 24 hours if on
reasonable grounds the Director of Clare Court suspects that that child is suffering from Pertussis, Poliovirus
infection, Measles, Mumps, Rubella or Meningococcal C, (Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations Reg.84(2))

ensuring that a parent or guardians of a child enrolled at Clare Court who is suspected of suffering from an
Infectious Disease or a vaccine-preventable disease are contacted and asked to collect that child from Clare
Court as soon as possible (derived from Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009, Reg.85(1)(a))

ensuring that the parents or guardian of a child enrolled at Clare Court who is known to have been in contact
with a person who is infected with an Infectious Disease for which there is a Recommended Minimum
Exclusion of Contacts Period (refer to Definitions) is contacted and asked to collect that child from Clare Court
as soon as possible (derived from Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009, Reg.85(1)(b))
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
ensuring that the parents or guardians of a child enrolled at Clare Court who is not known to be fully
immunised against a vaccine-preventable disease of which there has been an Occurrence at Clare Court and
which requires exclusion of children who are not fully vaccinated in accordance with the Exclusion Periods
Table (refer to Definitions) are contracted and asked to collect that child from Clare Court as soon as possible

ensuring that if a parent, guardian or authorised emergency contact of each child enrolled at Clare Court has
previously been notified of an Occurrence (refer to Definitions) of an Infectious Disease (refer to Definitions) or
a vaccine-preventable disease, those parents/guardians or authorised emergency contacts are also notified
when Clare Court is declared by the Director to be Disease Free (refer to Definitions) for that Infectious Disease
Notifying the Department of Health and Human Services

ensuring that the Secretary of the DHHS, through the Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Unit, is
informed within 24 hours if on reasonable grounds the Director of Clare Court suspects that a child enrolled at
Clare Court is suffering from Pertussis, Poliovirus infection, Measles, Mumps, Rubella or Meningococcal C,
(Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations Reg.84(2))

ensuring that the Secretary of the DHHS, through the Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Unit, is
notified within 24 hours if there is a suspected or actual Outbreak of Gastroenteritis (see Definitions) at Clare
Court (A Guide for The Management and Control of Gastroenteritis Outbreaks in Children’s Centres, DHHS, Pt
2.1)
Notifying the Department of Education and Training

ensuring that the DET is notified within 24 hours of a Serious Incident (refer to Definitions) or the time that the
person became aware of the incident (Education and Care Services National Law s.174(2), Education and Care
Services National Regulations Reg.176(2))
Information to be Available at Clare Court

ensuring that policies and procedures for dealing with Infectious Diseases (refer to Definitions) are readily
accessible to staff and are available for inspection at Clare Court (Education and Care Services National
Regulations, Regs.168(2)(c), 171)

ensuring that parents or guardians have access to any accident, injury, trauma or illness record for their child or
children (Education and Care Services National Regulations. Reg.181(b))

ensuring that the current and up to date DHHS poster ‘Minimum Period of Exclusion from Primary Schools and
Children’s Services Centres for Infectious Diseases Cases and Contacts’ is displayed in the entrance area and in
the staff room at Clare Court (the poster can be downloaded from the DHHS website)

ensuring information about the National Immunisation Program Schedule is displayed and is available to all
stakeholders (refer to www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/factsheets/schedule-victoria.htm)

ensuring that any changes to the Exclusion Periods Table (refer to Definitions) or immunisation schedule are
communicated to educators/staff and parents/guardians in a timely manner

ensuring that if there is an Occurrence (refer to Definitions) of an Infectious Disease (refer to Definitions) at
Clare Court, a notice is prominently displayed at the entrance to Clare Court giving details of the date of the
most recent Occurrence and the Infectious Disease involved, and ensuring that the notice remains in place
until the Recommended Minimum Exclusion of Cases Period (refer to Definitions) for that Infectious Disease
since the last Occurrence has expired
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Adherence to Hygiene Policies and Procedures

ensuring that the Nominated Supervisor, staff, students, volunteers and visitors at Clare Court adhere to the
2.15 Hygiene Policy and the procedures for infection control relating to blood-borne viruses (refer to
Definitions) (refer to Attachment 4)
Food Handling

ensuring that the Nominated Supervisor, staff, students, volunteers and visitors at Clare Court implement
adequate health and hygiene practices and safe practices for handling, preparing and storing food (Education
and Clare Services National Regulations Reg.77(1))
Exclusion of Children

ensuring that any directions received from the Secretary of the DHHS, through the Communicable Disease
Prevention and Control Unit, to exclude a child or certain children from Clare Court are passed on to the
Director and are followed (linked to Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009, Reg.85(2))

ensuring that any child enrolled at Clare Court who has been diagnosed with an Infectious Disease (refer to
Definitions) does not return to Clare Court before the end of the Recommended Minimum Exclusion of Cases
Period for that Infectious Disease (Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations, Reg 85(1))

ensuring that any child enrolled at Clare Court who has been in contact with a person with an Infectious
Disease for which there is a Recommended Minimum Exclusion of Contacts Period (refer to Definitions) does
not return to Clare Court before the end of the relevant period (Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009,
Reg.85(1)(b))

ensuring that any child who is not known to be fully immunised against a vaccine-preventable disease of which
there has been an Occurrence at Clare Court does not return to Clare Court until a parent, guardian or
authorised emergency contact has been notified that Clare Court has been declared by the Director to be
Disease Free (refer to Definitions) for that Infectious Disease (linked to Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations
2009, Reg.85(2))
Child Health Records

ensuring that Clare Court’s incident, injury, trauma and illness records are updated as soon as practicable, and
in any event within 24 hours, to include details of any illness which become apparent while any a child is being
cared for or educated by Clare Court, including the name of the child, the circumstances surrounding the child
becoming ill, any apparent symptoms, the date and time of the apparent onset of the illness, details of action
taken by Clare Court including any medication (refer to Definitions) administered and any medical personnel
contracted, and the name of any persons Clare Court notified or attempted to notify of the illness including the
date and time of notification or attempted notification (Education and Care Services National Regulations Reg.
87)

ensuring that an incident, injury, trauma and illness record is available for inspection by an authorised officer
(Education and Care Services National Law s.175(1))

ensuring that an incident, injury, trauma and illness record is kept until the child concerned is aged 25
(Education and Care Services National Regulations Reg.183(2))
Staff Absences

ensuring that there are procedures in place for staff to follow when notifying Clare Court that they will be
absent from work, including when they are absent due to illness
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General Provisions

supporting the Nominated Supervisor and the educators/staff at Clare Court to implement the requirements of
the recommended minimum exclusion periods set out in the Exclusion Periods Table

conducting a thorough inspection of Clare Court on a regular basis, and consulting with educators/staff to
assess any risks by identifying the hazards and potential sources of infection.

ensuring that appropriate and current information and resources are provided to educators/staff and
parents/guardians regarding the identification and management of Infectious Diseases (refer to Definitions),
blood-borne viruses (refer to Definitions) and Infestations (refer to Definitions)

keeping informed about current legislation, information, research and best practice
The Nominated Supervisor (Director) is also responsible for:
Confidentiality

maintaining confidentiality at all times (refer to 7.5 Privacy and Confidentiality Policy)
Enrolment

enrolling only children with an Immunisation History Statement (refer to Definitions) dated within two months
of the child’s intended first day of attendance at Clare Court which indicates either that the child is age
appropriately immunised or that immunisation of the child with one or more vaccines would be medically
contraindicated (Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 s.143B)

advising parents/guardians on enrolment that the recommended minimum exclusion periods for both cases
and contacts set out in the Minimum Exclusion Periods table set out in the Exclusion Periods Table (refer to
Definitions) will be enforced

providing information and resources to parents/guardians to assist in the identification and management of
Infectious Diseases and Infestations (refer to Definitions)

ensuring all families have completed a consent form to conduct head lice inspections on enrolment (see
Attachment 1)
Notification to Approved Provider

notifying the Approved Provider as soon as is practicable if there is an Occurrence (refer to Definitions) of an
Infectious Disease (refer to Definitions) at Clare Court

notifying the Approved Provider as soon as practicable if it is suspected that a child enrolled at Clare Court is
suffering from Pertussis, Poliovirus infection, Measles, Mumps, Rubella or Meningoccal C

notifying the Approved Provider within 24 hours of a Serious Incident occurring (refer to Definitions) or the
time that the Director became aware of the incident

notifying the Approved Provider within 24 hours if there is an Infestation (refer to Definitions) of head lice at
Clare Court
Notification to Parents/Guardians by Clare Court

notifying a parent or guardian of a child who becomes ill while at Clare Court as soon as practicable and in any
event within 24 hours (Education and Care Services National Regulations, Reg.86)
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
notifying a parent, guardian or authorised representative of every child enrolled at Clare Court as soon as
practicable if there is an Occurrence (refer to Definitions) of an Infectious Disease (refer to Definitions) at Clare
Court (Education and Care Services National Regulations, Reg.88(2)), including details of the type of Infectious
Disease

if a parent, guardian or authorised emergency contact of each child enrolled at Clare Court has previously been
notified of an Occurrence (refer to Definitions) of an Infectious Disease (refer to Definitions), notifying those
parents, guardians or authorised emergency contacts when Clare Court is declared by the Director to be
Disease Free (refer to Definitions) for that Infectious Disease

notifying a parent or guardian of a child enrolled at Clare Court within 24 hours if on reasonable grounds the
Director of Clare Court suspects that that child is suffering from Pertussis, Poliovirus infection, Measles,
Mumps, Rubella or Meningococcal C, (Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations Reg.84(2))

contacting a parent or guardian of a child enrolled at Clare Court who is suspected of suffering from an
Infectious Disease (refer to Definitions) or a vaccine-preventable disease and asking for that child to be
collected from Clare Court as soon as possible (derived from Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009,
Reg.85(1)(a))

contacting a parent or guardian of a child enrolled at Clare Court who is known to have been in contact with a
person who is infected with an Infectious Disease for which there is a Recommended Minimum Exclusion of
Contacts Period (refer to Definitions) and asking for that child to be collected from Clare Court as soon as
possible (derived from Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009, Reg.85(1)(b))

contacting a parent or guardian of a child enrolled at Clare Court who is not fully immunised against a vaccinepreventable disease of which there has been an Occurrence at Clare Court and asking for that child to be
collected from Clare Court as soon as possible

providing a head lice notification letter (see Attachment 3) to the parents or guardians of every child enrolled
at Clare Court as soon as practicable if there is an Infestation (refer to Definitions) of head lice

notifying the parents or guardians of a child enrolled at Clare Court as soon as practicable if their child has or is
suspected of having head lice and providing the parents or guardians with a head lice action form (see
Attachment 2)
Notifying the Department of Health and Human Services

notifying the Secretary of the DHHS, through the Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Unit, within
24 hours if on reasonable grounds the Director suspects that a child enrolled at Clare Court is suffering from
Pertussis, Poliovirus infection, Measles, Mumps, Rubella or Meningococcal C, (Public Health and Wellbeing
Regulations Reg.84(2))

notifying the Secretary of the DHHS, through the Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Unit, within
24 hours if there is a suspected or actual Outbreak of Gastroenteritis (see Definitions) at Clare Court (A Guide
for The Management and Control of Gastroenteritis Outbreaks in Children’s Centres, DHHS, Pt 2.1)
Notifying the Department of Education and Training

notifying the DET within 24 hours of a Serious Incident (refer to Definitions) or the time that the person
became aware of the incident (Education and Care Services National Law s.174(2), Education and Care Services
National Regulations Reg.176(2))
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Adherence to Hygiene Policies and Procedures

establishing good hygiene and infection control procedures, and ensuring that they are adhered to by everyone
at Clare Court (refer to 2.15 Hygiene Policy and Attachment 4 – Procedures for infection control relating to
blood-borne viruses(refer to Definitions))
Head Lice Inspections

conducting head lice inspections at least once per quarter and regularly whenever an Infestation (refer to
Definitions) is suspected, which involves visually checking children’s hair
Food Handling

ensuring that adequate health and hygiene practices and safe practices for handling, preparing and storing
food are implemented at Clare Court (Education and Clare Services National Regulations Reg.77(2))
Dealing with Sick Children at Clare Court

ensuring that a minimum of one educator with current approved first aid qualifications is in attendance and
immediately available at all times Clare Court is in operation (refer to 2.2 Administration of First Aid Policy)

ensuring that sick children are removed from their room as required pending collection by parents, guardians
or authorised emergency contact
Exclusion of Children

taking all actions necessary to comply with any directions received from the Secretary of the DHHS, through
the Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Unit, to exclude a child or certain children from Clare Court
(linked to Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009, Reg.85(2))

if Clare Court has been informed that a child enrolled at Clare Court is infected with an Infectious Disease (refer
to Definitions), ensuring that the child does not attend Clare Court for the Recommended Minimum Exclusion
of Cases Period (refer to Definitions) for that Infectious Disease (Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations,
Reg.85(1))

if Clare Court has been informed that a child enrolled at Clare Court has been in contact with a person who is
infected with an Infectious Disease (refer to Definitions) for which there is a Recommended Minimum
Exclusion of Contacts Period (refer to Definitions), ensuring that the child does not attend Clare Court before th
end of the relevant period (Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations, Reg.85(1)(b))

ensuring that a child who is not known to be fully immunised against a vaccine-preventable disease of which
there has been an Occurrence at Clare Court does not return to Clare Court does not return to Clare Court until
Clare Court has been declared to be Disease Free (refer to Definitions) for that Infectious Disease by the
Director (linked to Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009, Reg.85(2))
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Child Health Records

in the event of an incident, injury, trauma or illness to any child, completing an incident, injury, trauma or
illness record as required as soon as practicable, and in any event within 24 hours, to include details of any
illness which become apparent while any a child is being cared for or educated by Clare Court, including the
name of the child, the circumstances surrounding the child becoming ill, any apparent symptoms, the date and
time of the apparent onset of the illness, details of action taken by Clare Court including any medication (refer
to Definitions) administered and any medical personnel contracted, and the name of any persons Clare Court
notified or attempted to notify of the illness including the date and time of notification or attempted
notification (Education and Care Services National Regulations Reg. 87)
Staff Absences

ensuring all staff understand and follow the correct procedures when notifying Clare Court that they will be
absent from work, including when their absence is due to having symptoms of an Infectious Disease (refer to
Definitions)

ensuring that staff who have contracted an Infectious Disease do not return to work unless they have first
obtained clearance from a medical practitioner
Certified Supervisors and other educators/staff are responsible for:
Confidentiality

maintaining confidentiality at all times (refer to 7.5 Privacy and Confidentiality Policy)
Assistance to Parents and Guardians

encouraging parents and guardians to notify Clare Court if their child has an Infectious Disease (refer to
Definitions ) or an Infestation (refer to Definitions) of head lice

providing access to information and resources for parents/guardians to assist in the identification and
management of Infectious Diseases (refer to Definitions) and Infestations (refer to Definitions)
Adherence to Hygiene Policies and Procedures

complying with the 2.15 Hygiene Policy of Clare Court and the procedures for infection control relating to
blood-borne viruses (refer to Definitions) (refer to Attachment 4)
Head Lice Inspections

conducting head lice inspections in the absence of the Director
Food Handling

following Clare Court’s procedures for handling, preparing and storing food (Education and Clare Services
National Regulations Reg.77(2))
Dealing with Sick Children at Clare Court

watching for and observing signs and symptoms of illness among children, and informing the Nominated
Supervisor if they suspect a child is unwell or has an Infectious Disease (refer to Definitions)

removing sick children from their room as required pending collection by parents, guardians or authorised
emergency contact
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Exclusion of Children

ensuring that children who are excluded from Clare Court as a result of having, or having been in contact with a
person who has, an Infectious Disease (refer to Definitions) do not attend Clare Court

notifying the Nominated Supervisor immediately if any child who should be excluded is present at Clare Court
Child Health Records

completing an incident, injury, trauma or illness record as required as soon as practicable, and in any event
within 24 hours, to include details of any illness which become apparent while any a child is being cared for or
educated by Clare Court, including the name of the child, the circumstances surrounding the child becoming ill,
any apparent symptoms, the date and time of the apparent onset of the illness, details of action taken by Clare
Court including any medication (refer to Definitions) administered and any medical personnel contracted, and
the name of any persons Clare Court notified or attempted to notify of the illness including the date and time
of notification or attempted notification (Education and Care Services National Regulations Reg. 87)
Staff Absences

complying with Clare Court’s procedures when notifying Clare Court that they will be absent from work,
including when their absence is due to having symptoms of an Infectious Disease (refer to Definitions)

obtaining clearance from a medical practitioner before returning to work if they have had an Infectious Disease
(refer to Definitions)
Parents/guardians are responsible for:
Notification to Clare Court by Parents/Guardians

informing Clare Court as soon as practicable if their child has an Infectious Disease (refer to Definitions) (Public
Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009, Regulation 84(1)(a))

informing Clare Court as soon as practicable if their child has been in contact with a person with an Exclusion of
Contacts Infectious Disease (refer to Definitions) (Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009, Regulation
84(1)(b))

if their child has been excluded because of an Occurrence (refer to Definitions) of an Infectious Disease (refer
to Definitions) or vaccine-preventable disease at Clare Court, keeping their child at home until notified by Clare
Court that the Service is Disease Free (refer to Definitions)

complying with the recommended minimum exclusion periods in the Exclusion Periods Table (refer to
Definitions)

ensuring that their child is vaccinated in accordance with the Victorian Immunisation Schedule

providing an Immunisation History Statement (refer to Definitions) for their child dated within two months of
the intended first date of attendance by the child at Clare Court

while the child is enrolled at Clare Court, providing updated Immunisation History Statements (refer to
Definitions) to Clare Court as and when their child’s immunisation status changes

regularly checking their child’s and other household member’s hair for head lice or lice eggs, and treating any
Infestations (refer to Definitions) as necessary

notifying Clare Court if head lice or lice eggs have been found in their child’s hair and when treatment was
commenced
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
complying with the 2.15 Hygiene Policy and the procedures for infection control relating to blood-borne viruses
(refer to Definitions) (refer to Attachment 4) when in attendance at Clare Court.
Volunteers and students, while at Clare Court, are responsible for following this policy and its procedures.
Evaluation
In order to assess whether the values and purposes of the policy have been achieved, the Approved Provider will:

regularly seek feedback from educators, staff, parents/guardians, children, management and all affected by the
policy regarding its effectiveness

monitor the implementation, compliance, complaints and incidents in relation to this policy

ensure that all information related to infectious diseases on display and supplied to parents/guardians is
current

keep the policy up to date with current legislation, research, policy and best practice

revise the policy and procedures as part of Clare Court’s policy review cycle, or as required

notify parents/guardians at least 14 days before making any change to this policy or its procedures.
Attachments
Attachment 1: Consent form to conduct head lice inspections
Attachment 2: Head lice action form
Attachment 3: Head lice notification letter
Attachment 4: Procedures for infection control relating to blood-borne viruses
Attachment 5: Legislation, Standards, Definitions, Sources and Related Policies
Attachment 6: Review Information
Policy Review

Clare Court will review this Policy and procedures in May 2018 or earlier as required.

Families are encouraged to collaborate with Clare Court to review the policy and procedures.

Staff/educators are essential stakeholders in the policy review process and will be encouraged to be actively
involved.
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Attachment 1
Consent Form to Conduct Head Lice Inspection
[To be written on Clare Court letterhead]
Dear parents/guardians,
Clare Court is aware that head lice infestation can be a sensitive issue, and is committed to maintaining children’s
confidentiality and avoiding stigmatisation at all times. However, management of head lice infestation is most
effective when all children and their families actively support our policy and participate in our screening program.
All inspections will be conducted in a culturally-appropriate and sensitive manner, and information about why the
inspections are conducted and the benefits of preventing infestations will be explained to children prior to
conducting the inspections.
Only the Nominated Supervisor or an external person approved by Clare Court, such as a nurse employed by the
local council, will be permitted to carry out inspections on children at the service. Each child’s hair will be inspected
for the presence of head lice or lice eggs.
Where live head lice are found, Clare Court will notify the parents/guardians when the child is collected from the
service and will provide them with relevant information about the treatment of head lice. Other families will be
provided with a notice to inform that head lice has been detected in the group and to encourage them to be
vigilant and carry out regular inspections of their own child.
Please note that while head lice do not spread disease, they are included in the Department of Health’s exclusion
table which defines the minimum period of exclusion from a children’s service for children with infectious diseases.
According to this table, where a child has head lice, that child must be excluded until the day after appropriate
treatment has commenced.
Child’s name:
Group:
____________________________________
___________
Either
I hereby give my consent for Clare Court, or a person approved by Clare Court, to
inspect my child’s head once per term or when an infestation of head lice is
suspected in the service.
or
I do not give consent for my child’s head to be inspected. I request that staff
contact me when an infestation of head lice is suspected at Clare Court, and I
agree to come to the service to complete the inspection myself.
(Please cross out whichever statement is not applicable.)
Full name of
parent/guardian:
__________________________________________________________
Signature of
parent/guardian:
____________________________________
Date:
Clare Court Children’s Service Inc.
Association Incorporation Registration No. A0054588L
___________
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Attachment 2:
Head Lice Action Form
[To be written on Clare Court letterhead]
Dear parents/guardians,
We have detected head lice or lice eggs on your child and it is very important for you to treat your child as soon as
possible, using safe treatment practices. Please read the attached pamphlet Treating and controlling head lice from
the Department of Human Services. This contains guidelines regarding detecting and treating head lice and lice
eggs.
Please note that while head lice do not spread disease, they are included in the Department of Health’s exclusion
table which defines the minimum period of exclusion from a children’s service for children with infectious diseases.
According to this table, where a child has head lice, that child must be excluded until the day after appropriate
treatment has commenced.
Please keep your child at home until appropriate treatment has commenced and use the form provided below to
notify Clare Court, when your child returns to the service, of the action taken by you to treat the head lice/eggs.
Head lice treatment – action taken
Parent/guardian response form
To Clare Court
CONFIDENTIAL
Child’s name:
Group:
____________________________________
___________
I understand that my child must not attend Clare Court with untreated head lice or lice eggs.
I have used the following recommended treatment for head lice or lice eggs for my child:
Name of
treatment used
___________________________________________________________
Date treatment
commenced
___________________________________________________________
Signature of
parent/guardian:
____________________________________
Date:
Clare Court Children’s Service Inc.
Association Incorporation Registration No. A0054588L
___________
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Attachment 3
Head Lice Notification Letter
[To be written on Clare Court letterhead]
Dear parents/guardians,
It has come to our attention that head lice or lice eggs have been detected in your child’s group at Clare Court and
we seek your co-operation in checking your child’s hair regularly throughout this week, [date].
Head lice are common in children and are transmitted by having head-to-head contact with someone who has
head lice, but they do not transmit infectious diseases.
What can you do?
We seek your co-operation in checking your child’s hair and, in instances where head lice or lice eggs are found,
treating your child’s hair.
While head lice do not spread disease, they are included in the Department of Health’s exclusion table which
defines the minimum period of exclusion from a children’s service for children with infectious diseases. According
to this table, where a child has head lice, that child must be excluded until the day after appropriate treatment has
commenced.
We request that you observe these exclusion periods if head lice or lice eggs are detected on your child.
How do I treat my child for head lice?
Please read the attached pamphlet Treating and controlling head lice from the Department of Human Services. This
contains guidelines regarding detecting and treating head lice and lice eggs. Additional information is also available
by contacting Clare Court.
Who do I contact if my child has head lice?
If head lice or lice eggs are found in your child’s hair, you must inform:

Clare Court, and use the attached form to advise when treatment has commenced

parents/guardians and carers of your child’s friends so that they can also check these children for head lice or
lice eggs and commence treatment if necessary.
When can my child return to Clare Court?
Department of Health regulations require that where a child has head lice, that child must be excluded until the
day after appropriate treatment has commenced.
Clare Court is aware that head lice can be a sensitive issue and is committed to maintaining your confidentiality.
Kind regards,
[Signature of Nominated Supervisor]
[Name of Nominated Supervisor]
Clare Court Children’s Service Inc.
Association Incorporation Registration No. A0054588L
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Attachment 4
Procedures for infection control relating to blood-borne viruses
This procedure is based on information available from the Department of Education and Early Childhood
Development (DET), the Victorian Government’s Better Health Channel and the National Health and Medical
Research Council.
Important note on blood spills
A person responding to an incident involving blood at Clare Court must first cover any cuts, sores or abrasions on
their own hands and arms with waterproof dressings.
Equipment and procedures for responding to incidents that present blood-borne
virus hazards
Cleaning and removal of blood spills
Equipment (label clearly and keep in an easily accessible location)

Disposable gloves

Disposable plastic bags/zip lock bags/bio hazard container (if available)

Detergent/bleach

Disposable towels

Access to warm water
Procedure
1.
Put on disposable gloves.
2.
Cover the spill with paper towels.
3.
Carefully remove the paper towel and contents.
4.
Place the paper towels in an appropriate disposable plastic bag/zip lock bag/bio hazard container.
5.
Clean the area with warm water and detergent/bleach, then rinse and dry.
6.
Remove and place gloves in an appropriate disposable plastic bag/zip lock bag/bio hazard container, seal
and place it in a rubbish bin inaccessible to children.
7.
Wash hands in warm, soapy water and dry (follow the Handwashing guidelines in 2.15 Hygiene Policy).
Providing first aid for children who are bleeding
Equipment (label clearly and keep in an easily accessible location)

Disposable plastic bags/zip lock bags/bio hazard container (if available)

Disposable gloves

Waterproof dressings

Disposable towels
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
Detergent

Access to warm water
Procedure
1.
Before treating the child, you must cover any cuts, sores or abrasions on your hands and arms with
waterproof dressings.
2.
Put on disposable gloves.
3.
When cleaning or treating a child’s face that has blood on it, ensure you are not at eye level with the child as
blood can enter your eyes/mouth if the child cries or coughs. If a child’s blood enters your eyes, rinse them
while open, gently but thoroughly for at least 30 seconds. If a child’s blood enters your mouth, spit it out
and then rinse the mouth several times with water.
4.
Raise the injured part of the child’s body above the level of the heart (if this is possible) unless you suspect a
broken bone.
5.
Clean the affected area and cover the wound with waterproof dressing.
6.
Remove and place gloves in an appropriate disposable plastic bag/zip lock bag/bio hazard container, seal
and place it in a rubbish bin inaccessible to children.
7.
Wash hands in warm, soapy water and dry (follow the Handwashing guidelines in the 2.15 Hygiene Policy).
8.
Remove contaminated clothing and store in leak-proof disposable plastic bags. Give these bags to the
parent/guardian for washing when the child is collected from Clare Court.
Safe disposal of discarded needles and syringes
Equipment (label clearly and keep in an easily accessible location)

Disposable gloves

Long-handled tongs

Disposable plastic bags

‘Sharps’ syringe disposal container, or rigid-walled, screw-top, puncture-resistant container available for free
from local council, who may also provide free training to staff on the collection
of sharps

Detergent/bleach
Procedure
1.
Put on disposable gloves.
2.
Do not try to re-cap the needle or to break the needle from the syringe.
3.
Place the ‘sharps’ syringe disposal container on the ground next to the needle/syringe and open the lid.
4.
Using tongs, pick the syringe up from the middle, keeping the sharp end away from you at all times.
5.
Place the syringe, needle point down, in the ‘sharps’ syringe disposal container and close the lid securely on
the container.
6.
Repeat steps 3 to 5 to pick up all syringes and/or unattached needles.
7.
Remove and place gloves in a disposable plastic bag, seal and place it in a rubbish bin inaccessible to
children.
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8.
Clean the area with warm water and detergent/bleach, then rinse and dry.
9.
Wash hands in warm, soapy water and dry (follow the Handwashing guidelines in the 2.15 Hygiene Policy).
Under no circumstances should work-experience students or children be asked or encouraged to pick up
needles/syringes.
If the needle/syringe is not accessible and cannot be collected, mark and supervise the area so that others are not
at risk, and contact the Syringe Disposal Helpline on 1800 552 355.
Advice on the handling and disposal of needles/syringes can be accessed from:

the Syringe Disposal Helpline on 1800 552 355 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) for the location of the nearest
needle exchange outlet or public disposal bin

the environmental officer (health surveyor) at your local municipal/council offices

local general practitioners

local hospitals.
Note: ‘Sharps’ syringe disposal containers and/or needles/syringes must not be put in normal waste disposal bins.
Needle stick injuries
The risk of transmission of a blood-borne virus (refer to Definitions) from a needle stick injury is low and should not
cause alarm. The following procedure should be observed in the case of a needle stick injury.
Procedure
1.
Flush the injured area with flowing water.
2.
Wash the affected area with warm soapy water and then pat dry.
3.
Cover the wound with a waterproof dressing.
4.
Report the injury to the Approved Provider or Nominated Supervisor as soon as possible.
5.
Document needle stick injuries involving a staff member or child in the incident report book maintained at
Clare Court under OHS laws, and report to WorkSafe Victoria.
6.
For incidents involving a child, contact the parents/guardians as soon as is practicable and provide a report
to DET within 24 hours (refer to ‘serious incident’ in the Definitions section of this policy).
7.
See a doctor as soon as possible and discuss the circumstances of the injury.
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Attachment 5
Legislation, Standards, Definitions, Sources and Related Policies
Legislation and Standards
Legislation and Regulations
Relevant legislation and regulations include but are not limited to:

Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)

Health Records Act 2001 (Vic)

Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic)

Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic)

Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (Vic)

Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009 (Vic)

Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010

Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011
Standards and Codes

National Quality Standard, Quality Areas 2, 6 and 7
Best Practice Guides and Tools

Staying Healthy – Preventing Infectious Diseases in Early Childhood Education and Care Services (NHMRC, 5th
Edition, 2012)

A Guide for The Management and Control of Gastroenteritis Outbreaks in Children’s Centres (DHHS)
Definitions
The terms defined in this section relate specifically to this policy. For commonly used terms e.g. Approved Provider,
Nominated Supervisor, Regulatory Authority etc. refer to the General Definitions section of this manual.
Blood-borne virus: A virus that is spread when blood from an infected person enters another person’s
bloodstream. Examples of blood-borne viruses include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B, hepatitis
C and viral haemorrhagic fevers.
Disease Free: for a particular Infectious Disease or a vaccine-preventable disease means that the period of time
specified in column 2 of the Table in Schedule 7 of the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009 has passed
since the last Occurrence
Exclusion of Contacts Infectious Disease: An Infectious Disease that would require a person who has been in
contact with someone with the disease to be excluded from an education and care service in accordance with the
Exclusion Periods Table (refer to Definitions) column 3
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Exclusion Periods Table: the table set out in Schedule 7 of the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009. This
is reproduced in ‘Minimum period of exclusion from primary schools and children’s services centres for infectious
diseases cases and contacts’ published by the DHHS.
Immunisation History Statement: a statement prepared from records held in the Australian Childhood
Immunisation Register
Infectious Disease: In Victoria, an infectious disease is a disease that would require a person with the disease to be
excluded from an education and care service in accordance with the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009,
Schedule 7 ‘Minimum Period of Exclusion from Primary Schools and Children's Services Centres for Infectious
Diseases Cases and Contacts’, column 2
Infestation: The lodgement, development and reproduction of arthropods (such as head lice), either on the surface
of the body of humans or animals, or in clothing
Medication: Any substance, as defined in the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (Cth), that is administered for the
treatment of an illness or medical condition.
Occurrence: In relation to an Infectious Disease, means any single occurrence of an Infectious Disease affecting a
child, member of staff, student, volunteer or other person attending Clare Court.
Outbreak of Gastroenteritis: two or more cases of vomiting and/or diarrhoea occurring among children and/or
staff with a 48 hour period which cannot be explained by medication or other medical conditions.
Recommended Minimum Exclusion of Cases Period: For each Infectious Disease (refer to Definitions) the period
shown in column 2 of the Exclusion Periods Table (refer to Definitions)
Recommended Minimum Exclusion of Contacts Period: For each Infectious Disease (refer to Definitions) the
period shown in column 3 of the Exclusion Periods Table (refer to Definitions), if any
Serious Incident: Any incident involving serious injury or trauma to, or illness of, a child while being educated and
cared for by Clare Court which a reasonable person would consider required urgent medical attention from a
registered medical practitioner (such as whooping cough, a broken limb or an anaphylaxis reaction) or for which
the child attended, or ought reasonably to have attended, a hospital, or any incident where the attendance of
emergency services at Clare Court was sought, or ought reasonably to have been sought (Education and Care
Services National Regulations Reg.12)
Sources
Communicable Diseases Section, Public Health Group, DHHS (2005) The Blue Book: Guidelines for the control of
infectious diseases. Available at: http://docs.health.vic.gov.au/docs/doc/The-blue-book
Communicable Disease and Prevention Control Unit: phone – 1300 651 160: http://ideas.health.vic.gov.au and
[email protected]
Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Unit, DHHS (2010) A guide for the management and control of
gastroenteritis outbreaks in children’s centres. Victorian Government, Melbourne:
http://docs.health.vic.gov.au/docs/doc/412320256B5A9239CA2578A300265C25/$FILE/Industry-guide-Childcareweb.pdf
Department of Health and Human Services: www.immunise.health.gov.au
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Department of Health, Victoria (2012) Head lice management guidelines:
http://docs.health.vic.gov.au/docs/doc/Head-lice-management-guidelinesGuide to the Education and Care Services National Law and the Education and Care Services National Regulations
2011, ACECQA
Guide to the National Quality Standard, ACECQA
National Health and Medical Research Council (2013) Staying Healthy: Preventing infectious diseases in early
childhood education and care services (5th edition): http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/guidelines/publications/ch55
Victorian Department of Health: www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation
WorkSafe Victoria Compliance Code: First aid in the workplace, September 2008
Department of Health and Human Services: Minimum period of exclusion from schools and children's services
centres for infectious diseases cases and contacts
Clare Court Policies
2.2
Administration of First Aid Policy
2.15
Hygiene Policy
7.5
Privacy and Confidentiality Policy
Other relevant policies:
2.3
Administration of Medication Policy
2.8
Dealing with Medical Conditions Policy
2.16
Incident, Injury, Trauma and Illness Policy
3.1
Occupational Health and Safety Policy
6.2
Inclusion and Equity Policy
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Attachment 6
Review Information
Last Review
Contributing Board members
Chris Booton
Contributing Staff members
Sharon Jordan
Template
ELAA Dealing with Infectious Diseases Policy v3
Principle Changes from Previous Version
Changes to sickness reporting procedures
Changes to child vaccination laws included
Significant improvements to ELAA template policy
Sources updated
Date of Board Endorsement
Clare Court Children’s Service Inc.
Association Incorporation Registration No. A0054588L
25 May 2016
Page 22 of 22