Preventing Outbreaks: Infection Control in Perth Early Learning Centres

For Perth childcare directors, an “outbreak” is the ultimate nightmare. Whether it’s a sudden cluster of Gastroenteritis in Canning Vale or a spike in RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) in Joondalup, infectious diseases can spread through a center with alarming speed, leading to mass absenteeism, staff shortages, and stressed parents.

In 2026, infection control isn’t just about “cleaning”—it’s about strictly adhering to the NHMRC’s Staying Healthy (6th Edition) guidelines and the WA Department of Health protocols.

Here is how professional childcare cleaning in Perth helps you break the chain of infection.

1. Understanding the “Chain of Infection” in Early Learning

In a childcare setting, the “Chain of Infection” is short and efficient. Children interact in close proximity, share toys, and are still developing personal hygiene habits.

To prevent an outbreak, you must break at least one link in this chain:

• The Germ: Targeted disinfection of viruses like Norovirus or Influenza.
• The Spread: Rigorous commercial cleaning of high-touch surfaces.
• The Entry: Encouraging strict hand hygiene for children and staff.

2. Managing “Gastro” Outbreaks: The 48-Hour Rule

Gastroenteritis is highly contagious and common in Western Australian centers. According to the WA Health Department, the most critical step in an outbreak is exclusion.

• Exclusion Policy: Children and staff must be excluded for at least 48 hours after their last symptoms (vomit or diarrhea).
• The Clean-Up: Standard detergents are often ineffective against Norovirus. An outbreak requires a “Deep Clean” using a bleach-based solution (1,000 ppm available chlorine) on all hard surfaces, especially in bathrooms and nappy change areas.

3. Targeted Cleaning for High-Touch Zones

A “wipe down” is not enough. To meet Perth office and commercial cleaning standards for health facilities, your cleaning crew must focus on “Hot Zones”:

• Nappy Change Stations: These must be cleaned and disinfected after every use.
• Toy Sanitization: During an outbreak, toys should be rotated. Used toys should be placed in a “To Be Cleaned” bin and disinfected before being returned to the floor.
• Food Prep Areas: Shared plates should be avoided during an outbreak, with staff serving food directly to children to prevent cross-contamination.

4. The Role of Professional “Outbreak Kits”

Every Perth early learning center should have an “Outbreak Kit” or “Spill Kit” ready. This includes:

• Disposable gloves, aprons, and masks.
• Single-use paper towels and clinical-grade disinfectant.
• Biohazard bags for contaminated waste.

By partnering with a professional service like JKleen Services, you ensure that your center is cleaned by professionals who are trained in Standard Precautions—treating all bodily fluids as potentially infectious.

5. Communicating with Perth Families

Transparency is the best way to maintain parent trust. If you have a confirmed case of a notifiable disease (like Measles or Whooping Cough), you are legally required to notify your local Public Health Unit and display an alert notice for parents.

Seeing a professional cleaning team on-site during an outbreak provides massive reassurance to families that you are taking their child’s safety seriously.

Conclusion: Prevention is Better Than Cure

An outbreak can damage your center’s reputation and financial stability. Implementing a rigorous, daily infection control plan is your best defense.

Is your center outbreak-ready? Contact JKleen Services today for a specialized childcare hygiene audit. We provide tailored cleaning schedules that comply with the latest 2026 WA Health guidelines to keep your staff and children safe.