As millions of children return to school after the Christmas holidays, many parents face the challenge of managing common winter illnesses that their children might have caught at home. With colder weather increasing the risk of viruses, it’s important for parents to know when to keep their child at home to protect others and support recovery.
The NHS provides clear guidance on when children should stay off school due to illness. For some conditions, such as chickenpox, children should remain at home until all spots have crusted over, which typically takes about five days from when the spots first appear. This helps reduce the risk of spreading the virus to classmates and staff.
Other illnesses may require shorter or no time off school, depending on symptoms and the risk of passing infections on. Parents should be aware that the recommended absence period can vary widely depending on the specific illness.
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While not an exhaustive list, the NHS highlights that if your child is ill, you should inform their school or nursery on the first day of absence and explain the reason. If your child attends school despite having an infection that may be contagious, it is advisable to notify their teacher to help manage the risk of transmission.
By following these guidelines, parents can help minimize the spread of illness and ensure a healthier school environment for all children.