Millions of schoolchildren across the UK are returning to classrooms this week following the Christmas holidays, but a surge in winter bugs threatens to disrupt the new term. With plummeting temperatures aiding the spread of infections, many parents face the difficult decision of whether their unwell child is fit to attend.
NHS Guidance on Key Illnesses Requiring Absence
To help families navigate this common dilemma, the NHS has issued clear guidance on a range of common childhood conditions, specifying which necessitate keeping a pupil at home and for how long. The advice, accessible via GOV.UK, is crucial for preventing outbreaks in educational settings.
For some illnesses, the required period of absence depends on the specific stage of the infection. A prime example is chickenpox; the NHS states children should remain at home until all the spots have crusted over, which typically takes about five days from when the rash first appears.
When Your Child Must Stay Home
According to the NHS, you should keep your child off school if they have any of the following:
- A high temperature.
- Chickenpox (until spots crust over).
- COVID-19, if they have a high temperature or feel too unwell to attend.
- An ear infection accompanied by a high temperature or severe earache.
- Impetigo (until sores have healed or 48 hours after starting antibiotics).
- Measles (for at least four days from when the rash first appears).
- Scarlet fever (can usually return 24 hours after starting antibiotics).
- A sore throat with a high temperature.
- Vomiting and diarrhoea (must be symptom-free for 48 hours before returning).
- Ringworm, though they can go back once treatment has begun.
Illnesses That Usually Don't Require Time Off
The guidance also clarifies conditions that typically do not warrant an absence, provided the child is otherwise well. This list includes:
- Coughs and colds (without a high temperature).
- Conjunctivitis.
- COVID-19, if the child feels well enough.
- Hand, foot, and mouth disease, if they seem well.
- Head lice and nits.
- Slapped cheek syndrome.
- Sore throat without a fever.
- Cold sores.
- Threadworms.
- Feeling anxious or worried (though the NHS advises speaking to a GP or school nurse if it affects daily life).
The NHS stresses that this is not an exhaustive list. If you do keep your child at home due to sickness, you must contact the school on the first day to inform them of the reason. Furthermore, if a child is attending school but has a potentially infectious condition, parents should notify their teacher.
