To ensure the health and safety of all children and families visiting our play centre, we kindly ask that you do not bring children (or adults) who are unwell.
Our centre is a shared space with high-touch equipment, and illnesses can spread quickly among young children.
Children who are unwell should not enter the play centre. This includes anyone showing signs of contagious illness, such as:
- Fever (temperature of 100°F/37.8°C or higher)
- Vomiting or diarrhoea (including in the last 48 hours)
- Persistent or harsh coughing/sneezing
- Thick green/yellow nasal discharge or runny nose with coloured mucus
- Sore throat, earache, or difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained rash or skin infections (e.g., chickenpox, impetigo, hand-foot-mouth disease)
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Head lice or other parasitic infections
- General lethargy or inability to participate comfortably in play
Exclusion Periods: - Vomiting or diarrhoea: Children must be symptom-free for at least 48 hours before returning (without medication).
- Fever: Must be fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
- Contagious conditions (e.g., chickenpox, conjunctivitis):** Excluded until fully recovered or as advised by a doctor (often with a clearance note required).
- If a child becomes ill during a visit (e.g., vomits or develops symptoms), parents/guardians will be notified immediately, and the family must leave. The affected area will be closed for deep cleaning. No refunds will be issued in these cases.
Staff Rights and Procedures: - Staff may refuse entry or ask families to leave if symptoms are observed (without refund).
- We encourage handwashing upon entry and throughout the visit.
- Parents/guardians are responsible for monitoring their child’s health and declaring any recent illnesses on arrival or booking.
We appreciate your cooperation—this helps keep our centre a safe and enjoyable place for everyone. If in doubt, please err on the side of caution and keep unwell children at home to recover.
Thank you for helping us maintain a healthy environment!
Why These Elements Are Common - 48-hour rule for gastro symptoms: Widely used to prevent outbreaks like norovirus (seen in UK centres like Scallywags and Willow Tree).
- Visible/audible illness refusal: Many operators (e.g., US play spaces) deny entry for obvious signs like coughing or rashes.
- No refunds for enforcement: Protects the business while prioritising health.
- Aligns with public health guidelines (e.g., Minnesota Dept. of Health recommends excluding children with vomiting/diarrhoea).
For a real centre, display this on your website, booking page, entry signage, and waivers. Check local laws (e.g., UK Health & Safety Executive or US state childcare regulations) for any mandatory requirements. If drafting for your own use, consider adding a doctor’s note clause for certain conditions.