The Federal Government has released a new guide aimed at maintaining health of children in childcare centres by preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

Federal Health Minister, Tanya Plibersek, released the Staying Healthy: Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood education and care services guide, saying that it provided  practical advice to childcare workers and parents on how to reduce the spread of infectious disease such as norovirus and the flu.

“Staying Healthy will provide staff with simple and effective methods for minimising the spread of disease, including advice on cleaning with detergent and water, when to use bleach, using disposable gloves and changing nappies,” Ms Plibersek said.

“It will also help staff recognise and manage a child who is sick, how to discuss with parents the reasons for keeping unwell kids at home, staff immunisation and diseases common to education and care services.”

Minister for Early Childhood and Child Care Kate Ellis said the 5th edition of the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Staying Healthy report would help child care centres provide quality early education and care.

“We introduced new national standards to lift the quality of child care across Australia because we believe parents deserve peace of mind when they drop their child off they are receiving quality care to a high standard,” Minister Ellis said.

“The new guide will help providers meet the National Quality Framework by keeping kids healthy and improving childcare services.

“All services across the country will be assessed and rated against new National Quality Standard which will ensure that services are meeting basic requirements including children’s health, safety and wellbeing.”