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 forms part of a wider public health approach to safeguarding children and reducing the spread of infectious disease within early years settings.

We recognise that immunisation is an important public health measure that helps protect children, staff and the wider community from serious infectious diseases. The EYFS Statutory Framework 2025 states that providers must “promote the good health of children attending the setting”. Supporting families to access information about immunisation forms part of our commitment to promoting children’s health and wellbeing.

We work in partnership with parents to ensure they have access to accurate, up-to-date public health information to support informed decision-making.

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.

Risk assessments relating to immunisation status are reviewed regularly and inform infection prevention and control planning across the nursery.

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. This approach supports our duties under the Equality Act 2010 to prevent discrimination and promote equal access to early years provision.

We promote a culture of inclusion and respect, ensuring that all families feel welcomed, valued and supported regardless of their personal health choices.

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. All personal information is processed lawfully, fairly and confidentially and is only used for legitimate safeguarding, health and welfare purposes.

Senior leaders monitor immunisation and infection control data as part of wider safeguarding and health and safety oversight.

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.

The EYFS Statutory Framework 2025 requires providers to “have and implement a policy, and procedures, for responding to children who are ill or infectious”. The nursery will follow all relevant public health guidance to minimise the spread of infection and protect the health of children, staff and visitors.

Outbreak management procedures are reviewed and updated in line with national and local public health advice to ensure the nursery responds effectively to emerging risks.

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. This supports our responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to ensure, “so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all employees”.

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.

The nursery recognises that vaccination is a personal health decision. We will provide information and support where appropriate, while respecting individual rights, confidentiality and protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

Staff wellbeing and personal health choices are respected as part of our commitment to a supportive, inclusive and professionally respectful workplace culture. Leaders ensure that staff health considerations are balanced appropriately with safeguarding responsibilities and the needs of children in our care.