Can My Child Go To School Today?

It is always a worry when a child becomes unwell, but it is not always obvious how to care for them and whether you should keep them at home. You can now find handy NHS guidance in one place online that will help you identify a possible condition, so you can decide whether to send your child to school.

On the website is a list of common childhood illnesses and conditions from conjunctivitis to head lice, as well as symptoms such as a high temperature and sore throat and what these might mean. There is advice about what to do and when a child should return to education after being treated.

Visit the 'Should your child go to school today' website, if you are unsure about a child's wellbeing, please talk to your local pharmacist, call the NHS helpline on 111 or call your GP.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has now declared a national incident in order to focus actions to limit the spread. Further outbreaks of measles will spread to other towns and cities unless urgent action is taken to increase Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination uptake in areas at greatest risk. Children who get measles can be very poorly and some will suffer life changing complications.

To support this incident the Department of Education (DfE) has published: What to do if you think your child has measles and when to keep them off school guidance for parents and for schools. 

Please read the information provided via the link, which gives advice about symptoms to look out for and also tells you more about getting your child immunised if they have not already had their MMR vaccine.

Here are some additional links that may provide useful information regarding your child's health. If in any doubt, please seek medical attention.