Immunisation Policy

At Winston’s Place Day Nursery, we promote and encourage that children are vaccinated in accordance with the government’s health policy and their age.

We recognise that immunisation is an important public health measure that helps protect children, staff and the wider community from serious infectious diseases.

We ask that parents inform us if their children are not vaccinated so that we can carry out appropriate risk assessments and take proportionate steps to manage the health and safety of all children, staff and visitors. The nursery manager must be aware of any children within the nursery who are not vaccinated in accordance with their age.

We make all parents aware that some children in the nursery may not be immunised due to their age, medical reasons or parental choice. In line with the Equality Act 2010, our nursery does not discriminate against children who are not immunised, and no child will be excluded from the setting solely on the basis of their immunisation status. Individual children’s immunisation information will not be shared with other parents or carers and will be handled confidentially in accordance with data protection legislation.

Where relevant, we will provide parents with general information about the risks of infection and the steps the nursery takes to reduce these risks, without identifying individual children. We do not require parents to sign a waiver or disclaimer regarding immunisation. However, parents will be asked to acknowledge that they have received information about infection risks and exclusion periods where applicable.

We record, or encourage parents to record, information about immunisations on children’s registration documents and we update this information as and when necessary, including when the child reaches the age for the appropriate immunisations. Immunisation records are stored securely and accessed only by authorised staff, in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Managing illness and outbreaks

If there is an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable illness, we will follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency and local health protection teams.

This may include:
• Informing parents of potential exposure
• Implementing recommended exclusion periods
• Increased infection control measures
• Seeking public health advice where required

Temporary exclusion of non-immunised children may be advised by public health authorities in special circumstances to protect the child and others. Any such decisions will be proportionate, time-limited and clearly communicated to parents.

Staff vaccinations policy

It is the responsibility of all staff to take reasonable steps to keep themselves informed about recommended vaccinations in line with NHS guidance, including (where appropriate) vaccinations such as MMR, flu and COVID-19.

We encourage staff to be immunised to protect themselves, the children in their care and colleagues, particularly where they may be working with babies or vulnerable children.

If a member of staff is unsure as to whether they are up to date, then we recommend that they visit their GP or practice nurse for their own good health.

Staff are not required to disclose detailed medical information. Any vaccination information shared with the nursery will be treated confidentially and in accordance with data protection legislation. No member of staff will be treated less favourably or discriminated against on the basis of their vaccination status, in line with employment law and the Equality Act 2010.