Contagious conditions are illnesses that can spread from one person to another. If your child has a
contagious condition they may need to stay home or be kept away from their early childhood
education and care (ECEC) service or school.
You should keep your child at home when they have any of the following symptoms:
• fever (temperature over 380 C)
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• rash with fever or other symptoms
• eyes that are watery or have pus
• sore throat with fever
• loss of appetite, tiredness, crankiness or looking pale or unwell.
Take your child to a doctor or call 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) if you are worried.
Exclusion of a sick child protects other children and staff from becoming sick.
Exclusion rules help everyone to stay healthy.
Responsibilities of ECEC services and schools
Your childcare centre, kindergarten, preschool, school, or outside of school hours service is
required by law (Public Health Act 2005) to exclude children with certain conditions while they are
contagious.
How can you protect your child from contagious conditions?
Keep your child at home when they are unwell. Parents and carers can help prevent the spread of
germs and infection by:
• ensuring children and other household members wash their hands regularly
• keeping toys and surfaces clean
• keeping up to date with recommended immunisations.
See the Time Out poster (scan QR code) for common contagious conditions and the recommended time
children and staff should be kept away or excluded from ECEC services or schools.
The time a person needs to stay away depends on the condition. It is based on how easily it
spreads, how likely the child or staff member is to pass it on, and how serious the condition might
be.