School/Nursery Guidance

Infection Control in Schools and other childcare settings

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) in schools and other healthcare settings is important for several reasons.

Children are particularly susceptible to infectious diseases, and schools and childcare settings are common sites for the spread of infection.

IPC is everyone’s responsibility, and we all have an essential role to play. Although infections can be spread easily in schools and childcare settings, the good news is that effective IPC measures can substantially reduce the risk of its transmission. 

By following simple IPC procedures, the transmission of infections and outbreaks of infectious diseases can be prevented in these settings. 

‘Infection prevention and control – best practice advice for nurseries and childcare settings’ (Download here) outlines a list of common infections in these settings and what the recommended exclusion periods are. It also highlights some good IPC advice to be followed as well as listing the routine childhood immunisation programme.

‘Infection prevention and control – best practice advice for nurseries and childcare settings’ (Download here) has been developed by the Public Health Agency (PHA) to provide nurseries and other childcare settings with IPC best practice advice. It will provide staff with simple, practical guidance on the day-to-day implementation of good IPC practices, as well as specific actions to take in the event of an outbreak of infection.