Recommendation of absence from school
We often receive telephone calls from parents asking us for advice on absences associated with childhood illnesses. We hope that this information will help you.
Chickenpox, Shingles
At home 5 days from onset of rash and all spots have crusted over.
Cold Sore
Children do not need to be excluded from school unless feeling unwell.
Conjunctivitis
Children do not need to be excluded from school unless feeling unwell.
Diarrhoea and Gastroenteritis
Any person vomiting or suffering from diarrhoea to remain at home until 48 hours after the last symptoms.
Erythema Parvovirus (Slapped Cheek)
Children do not need to be excluded from school unless feeling unwell. An individual is no longer infectious once the rash appears.
Hand Foot and Mouth
Children do not need to be excluded from school unless feeling unwell.
Hepatitis A
7 days exclusion
Hepatitis B
Children with acute Hepatitis B may be too unwell to attend school but there is no reason to exclude anyone with Hepatitis B or C if they are well enough.
Impetigo
At home 48 hours after treatment has started and crusts are drying up.
Influenza (Not to be confused with a Common Cold)
Children with symptoms should remain home until they have recovered and for at least 24 hours after temperature has returned to normal.
Live Head Lice
Treatment should be started as soon as possible on the day of diagnosis, children do not need to be excluded from school.
Measles
At home until 5 days after the appearance of the rash
Mumps
At home until 5 days after the swelling started
Ringworm
Exclusion until treatment has begun. Activities involving physical contact, or undressing for PE etc. should be discouraged
R.S.V. Virus Bronchiolitus
Exclude until recovered
Rubella (German Measles)
At home until 6 days after the appearance of the rash
Scabies
At home until after the first treatment has been completed. Everyone in the household will require treatment.
Scarlet Fever
At home 24 hours after beginning antibiotics
Threadworm
Children do not need to be excluded from school but will need to inform school of a diagnosis. Everyone in the household will require treatment.
Tonsilitis
Children do not need to be excluded from school unless feeling unwell.
Whooping Cough
At home, at least 48 hours after antibiotic treatment has started and feels well enough to return to school.
Article 24 (health and health services)
- Every child has the right to the best possible health.
- Governments must provide good quality health care, clean water, nutritious food, and a clean environment and education on
- health and well-being so that children can stay healthy.
- Richer countries must help poorer countries achieve this.