Minor sickness and school attendance

There has been a steady increase in the number of children missing school on account of assumed illness. We need the support of all parents and carers to tackle this trend. 

To help avoid unnecessary school absences while promoting child welfare, we have  issued general guidance to help parents decide whether their children are well enough to attend school. 

Is my child well enough?

High temperature 

If your child looks or feels shivery or is unusually cold or hot, he or she may have a high temperature. A child with a high temperature should not be in school. However, after feeling and looking better for 24 hours, a child should be able to return to school. 

Cold and cough

A slight cold and a cough would not prevent a child from attending school. However, children with heavy colds or persistent coughs should stay at home. A child whose cough is disappearing and who is feeling better should return to school. 

Rashes 

A rash could be the first sign of one of childhood’s many illnesses, such as chicken pox or measles. The rash or spots may cover the entire body or appear in only one area. Do not send a child to school with an unexplained rash or skin eruption until you have contacted NHS 111 or your GP surgery for advice. 

Minor aches and pains 

A child with persistent toothache should see a dentist without delay and one with earache should see a doctor without delay. A child whose only complaint is a minor headache does not usually need to be kept at home. 

Vomiting and diarrhoea 

If you think your child has meningitis, get help from your doctor or a hospital immediately. If vomiting occurs, your child should stay at home until he or she can keep food down. A child with diarrhoea should also be kept at home. If your child does not improve as you expect, please contact NHS 111 or your GP surgery for advice. 

Common sense

Use this when deciding whether your child needs to stay at home. Work on the basis that sick children belong at home and well children belong in class. 

Please remember that early morning aches often pass, so don’t keep your child at home 'just in case' when he or she could be learning in class. If you are not sure, talk to a member of the school staff, your GP surgery or NHS 111.

Your contact details

Please make sure that the school has your up-to-date contact details, as well as emergency contact details. It is important that school staff can contact you during the day if your child is not well enough to stay in school. 

Some common rules about illness absences

Minor illness 

If your child is unwell on a school day, always contact the school in the morning to let staff know. 

Longer-term absence 

If your child is absent from school for 3 or more days, or is often absent for short spells, the school staff may ask you to present a doctor’s note to verify the reason for the absence. A letter from a parent/carer is needed when: 

• a child has any condition requiring hospital or surgical care 

• the child returns to school with a cast or stitches 

• the child needs restricted PE lessons or playtime activities for more than 3 consecutive days 

Useful contacts

For further information call  NHS 111 or for information about meningitis visit the Meningitis Research Foundation.