Sickness Policy

1. Overview: Our coworking space with onsite childcare is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all members and their children. We understand that illnesses can spread quickly in a shared space, and we have developed this sickness policy to ensure the wellbeing of everyone in our community.
2. Symptoms of illness: If a child displays symptoms of illness such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or sneezing, they will be isolated from other children and the childcarers will notify their parent or guardian immediately. We recommend that children stay home until they are symptom-free for at least 48 hours, without the use of medication.
3. Notification: If a child becomes ill while at BubbaDesk, parents or guardians will be notified immediately. If a child has a contagious illness, we will notify all members who have used BubbaDesk in the past week.
4. Exclusion from BubbaDesk: Children who are unwell and have symptoms of contagious illness must be excluded from BubbaDesk until the recommended period as stated by the Department of Health or until the child is well enough to return to care. This is important to prevent the spread of illness to other children and staff members.
5. Return to BubbaDesk: Before returning to BubbaDesk, children must be symptom-free for at least 48 hours, without the use of medication. In some cases, a medical certificate may be required to confirm that the child is well enough to return to care.
6. Hygiene practices: We encourage good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of illness, including washing hands regularly, covering mouths when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding sharing food and drink. Staff members and members are encouraged to practice good hygiene and wipe down any shared surfaces they have used in the childcare area.
7. Staff members: Our staff members are also required to adhere to this sickness policy. Staff members who display symptoms of illness are asked to stay home and seek medical advice if necessary. BubbaDesk will have a separate team of staff, trained and employed to manage the care of children.
8. Communication: We will communicate regularly with members about any illness outbreaks in the coworking space or childcare area and any changes to our sickness policy.

The above policy also applies to any parents or guardians using the space. 

We believe that by following these guidelines, we can provide the best possible care for all children and members in our community.

Download the www.findapharmacy.com.au ‘Is your child too sick for daycare?’ checklist.

Survey yourself

When making your decision at the beginning of the day ask yourself these three questions:

1. Will my child be well enough to comfortably and happily participate in the activities of the day?
2. Will my child’s care provider be able to care for my child without it affecting their ability to look after the other children?
3. Will my child pass the illness on to their playmates if I send them in today?

In addition, if your child displays any of the following symptoms you should always keep them at home until you have the all clear from the doctor or until the symptoms lessen and the child seems well enough to return to care:

• A temperature and/or fever accompanied by a behaviour change and other signs of illness such as lethargy, persistent crying or breathing difficulties.
• Signs of severe illness such as uncontrolled coughing, breathing difficulties, wheezing, persistent crying and/or lethargy.
• A respiratory illness such as bronchitis or influenza.
• Uncontrolled diarrhoea.
• Vomiting, once a child has vomited, most doctors recommend that they should not return to childcare for a minimum of 48 hours.
• Any sort of rash, especially when accompanied by a fever or behaviour change. Children with chicken pox can return to childcare on the sixth day after their rash appears. Children with impetigo can return to care 24 hours after starting a course of antibiotics and children with scabies can return to care after they’ve been treated.
• Mouth sores that cause drooling.
• Bacterial conjunctivitis and yellow discharge from the eye. Your child can return to child care 24 hours after starting a course of antibiotics.

What happens if my child is exposed to COVID-19?

For the latest COVID-19 information and guidelines, please see Government updates on COVID-19

BubbaDesk Contagious Illness Management Policy

Objective:
To ensure the health and safety of all BubbaDesk members, children, and team members by minimising the risk of contagious illnesses spreading within our spaces. This policy is designed to be clear, easy to follow, and built on trust, while also outlining specific responsibilities for both members and the BubbaDesk team.

1. Member Responsibilities

A. Identifying Illness

Members should refrain from bringing children into BubbaDesk if they or their child exhibit any of the following:

• Fever (38°C or higher) within the past 24 hours
• Vomiting or diarrhoea within the past 48 hours
• Severe coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
• Rash with fever
• Contagious conditions such as chickenpox, hand-foot-mouth disease, conjunctivitis (pink eye), COVID-19, flu, RSV, or strep throat
• Head lice (must be treated before returning)

B. Returning After Illness

A member or child may return to BubbaDesk when:
✅ They are symptom-free for 24 hours without medication (e.g., fever-reducing medicine)
✅ They have completed the necessary exclusion period (if required, see below)
✅ They feel well enough to participate in daily activities

C. Notification

• If a child is diagnosed with a contagious illness after attending BubbaDesk, the member must inform management ASAP so they can notify others via Optix (without sharing personal information).
• Members are trusted to follow these guidelines, and no formal medical clearance is required unless a serious outbreak occurs.

D. BubbaDesk Team Discretion

• The BubbaDesk team reserves the right to observe returning members and, if necessary, ask them to leave if they believe the above conditions have not been met.
• This is to ensure the safety of all members and children in the space.