When your child is unwell, it can be difficult deciding whether to keep them home from school. We hope these simple guidelines from the NHS may be useful.

Not every illness needs to keep your child from school. If you keep your child away from school, be sure to inform the school on the first day of their absence.

Use common sense when deciding whether or not your child is too ill to attend school.

 

Ask yourself the following questions.

• Is my child well enough to do the activities of the school day? If not, keep your child at home.
• Does my child have a condition that could be passed on to other children or school staff? If so, keep your child at home.
• Would I take a day off work if I had this condition? If so, keep your child at home.

 

Common conditions

If your child is ill, it’s likely to be due to one of a few minor health conditions.

Whether you send your child to school will depend on how severe you think the illness is. Use this guidance to help you make that judgement.

 

Remember: if you’re concerned about your child’s health, consult a health professional.

• Cough and cold A child with a minor cough or cold may attend school. If the cold is accompanied by a raised temperature, shivers or drowsiness, the child should stay off school, visit the GP and return to school 24 hours after they start to feel better. If your child has a more severe and long-lasting cough, consult your GP. They can give guidance on whether your child should stay off school.
• Raised temperature If your child has a raised temperature, they shouldn’t attend school. They can return 24 hours after they start to feel better.
• Rash Skin rashes can be the first sign of many infectious illnesses such as chickenpox and measles. Children with these conditions shouldn’t attend school. If your child has a rash, check with your GP or practice nurse before sending them to school.
• Headache A child with a minor headache doesn’t usually need to be kept off school. If the headache is more severe or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as raised temperature or drowsiness, then keep the child off school and consult your GP.
• Vomiting and Diarrhoea Children with diarrhoea and/or vomiting should definitely be kept off school until 48 hours after their symptoms have gone. Most cases of diarrhoea and vomiting in children get better without treatment, but if symptoms persist, consult your GP.
• Sore throat A sore throat alone doesn’t have to keep a child from school. But if it’s accompanied by a raised temperature, your child should stay at home.
• Chickenpox If your child has chickenpox, keep them off school for five days after the rash first appears