05/03/2026
When Staff Sickness Puts Pressure On Your Nursery
Unexpected staff sickness is one of the biggest challenges nurseries face
One phone call can suddenly mean:
Scrambling to cover ratios
Pulling managers or seniors into rooms
Increased pressure on the rest of the team
Disruption for children who thrive on routine and familiar faces
Most of the time, sickness isn’t something you can plan for — but the impact can be huge.
When a team member is unwell, the impact often goes far beyond filling a shift. We regularly speak to nursery managers who tell us sickness leads to: Team burnout and low morale Managers losing valuable leadership time Children unsettled by unfamiliar staff Last-minute decision-making under pressure Over time, this can affect staff retention, wellbeing, and the overall quality of care.
It's possible to alleviate this pressure, even when illness is inevitable
At 110% People, we assist nurseries in managing staff absenteeism by offering: thoroughly vetted and compliant childcare professionals, experienced personnel who can integrate effortlessly, short-notice coverage to maintain staff ratios, and dependable support that eases the burden on your team. Our commitment is to ensure continuity, compliance, and quality care — enabling your nursery to operate smoothly, even during challenging times.
Staff sickness doesn’t have to mean panic, pressure, or difficult compromises.With 110% People, keeping watch, you have a trusted safety net ready whenever sickness strikes.
If you’d like to be set up for support — even if you never need to use it we’d love to chat