Qualification: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
Unit: Unit 1.5: Understand how to support children who are unwell
Learning outcome: Understand the role of the Early Years practitioner in minimising ill health in children
Assessment criteria: Explain how the Early Years practitioner can minimise ill health in children
As an Early Years practitioner, there are several ways in which you can help to minimise the spread of ill health in children.
One of the most important things you can do is to maintain good hygiene standards at all times. This means regularly washing your hands, using personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary, and disposing of waste correctly.
You should also encourage children to get lots of rest and eat a healthy diet. Providing plenty of water for them to drink will help to keep them hydrated and help them to get better.
A child can also benefit from brief, low-intensity exercise, such as a short walk around the setting to help with circulation.
If a child becomes ill, it is important to follow the correct exclusion period, so they have time to recover fully before returning to the setting. This will help to prevent the spread of illness to other children.
Good ventilation within the setting is also important, as this will help to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
Following these simple steps can help minimise children’s ill health.