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Guide to deciding when your child can go to the classroom

Published 3 months ago on Feb 15, 2024

Is Your Child Too Ill for School? The Ultimate Guide to Deciding When Your Child Can Still Go Into the Classroom.

**NHS guidelines offer a straightforward way to decide when you should still send your little ones to school this cold season**

Deciding whether to send your child to school when they're feeling under the weather can be a tough call, especially in light of recent health concerns like COVID-19 and the resurgence of illnesses like measles. Balancing the desire to prevent the spread of illness with ensuring your child doesn't miss out on valuable learning opportunities is essential for parents navigating these decisions.

The NHS has provided valuable guidelines to assist parents in making informed choices about when it's appropriate to send their child to school and when it might be best to keep them home due to illness.

The School Attendance Problem

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a noticeable increase in school absences. Department for Education data reveals that over 22% of pupils in England were persistently absent from school, more than double the pre-pandemic figures. This rise in absences underscores the challenges faced by students in maintaining regular attendance and progressing academically.

Going to School vs. Staying at Home

While it's common for children to experience occasional illnesses like colds, determining whether they should attend school depends on the severity of their symptoms. According to NHS guidelines, minor ailments like a cough, sore throat, or runny nose, especially when accompanied by a temperature below 38 degrees Celsius, generally do not necessitate staying home from school.

However, if symptoms worsen or include a fever or high temperature, it's advisable to keep your child home until they recover. Additionally, infectious illnesses like chickenpox or confirmed cases of COVID-19 warrant staying home until the risk of contagion has passed.

For more serious conditions requiring medical intervention, such as impetigo or scarlet fever, consulting with a GP is recommended to determine when it's safe for your child to return to school.

When Can They Go to School?

Minor symptoms like a runny nose, cough, or sore throat, on their own, typically do not hinder a child's ability to participate in school activities. Similarly, ailments like ear infections, conjunctivitis, or head lice, while requiring attention, do not necessarily prevent children from attending school.

Communication Is Key

Clear communication with teachers regarding your child's illness is crucial to ensure appropriate accommodations are made. Parents should notify the school as soon as their child falls ill, and even if they start the day at home, they can consider sending them to school if they improve throughout the day.

Additionally, schools are equipped to monitor students' health throughout the day, and parents can rest assured that if a child's condition worsens while at school, they will be contacted promptly to arrange for their return home.

By following these guidelines and maintaining open communication with schools, parents can make informed decisions regarding their child's attendance and ensure their well-being while promoting a positive learning environment for all students.

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