The aims of these guidelines are:

• To provide advice for carers who, on a day to day basis, will help to minimise the spread of infection in child care settings.
  
  
• To provide accurate information, which can be used by staff both in training and for parental advice if, infection occurs in the nursery/day care setting.
  
  
• To provide contact names and telephone numbers should more detailed advice be needed on communicable disease matters.
  
  
• To summarise, for the main infections, the approach to control and the rationale for recommending children to be kept at home when experiencing these illnesses.
  
  
• To describe in detail, action to be taken following particular diseases which are either common, potentially serious or cause a high level of anxiety among parents and staff.
  
  
• To outline the action which should be taken for a specific illness in childcare settings.