What’s it called? |
What are the symptoms? Click link for information |
Do I need to keep my child off school? Who should be informed? |
Athlete’s foot |
Common fungal infection that affects the feet.
Athlete’s foot – NHS (www.nhs.uk) |
No need to stay off school or nursery. It is not a serious condition. Treatment is recommended. Inform
school/nursery. |
Chicken Pox
*(see below re pregnancy) |
Rash begins as small, red flat spots and develops into itchy blisters.
Chickenpox – NHS (www.nhs.uk) |
Yes, until all the spots have crusted over, and your child is well (usually 5 days after the spots have appeared).
Inform school/nursery. |
Cold Sores (Herpes Simplex) |
Cold sores are generally mild and heal without treatment but are contagious until completely healed (around 10 days).
Cold sores – NHS (www.nhs.uk) |
No need to stay off school or nursery. Avoid kissing and contact with the sores. Inform school/ nursery. |
Conjunctivitis |
Usually affects both eyes and makes them red, burn or feel itchy.
Conjunctivitis – NHS (www.nhs.uk) |
No need to stay off school unless child feels unwell. Inform school/nursery. |
COVID**
(Respiratory disease)
*(see below re pregnancy) |
High temperature, cough, feeling unwell, loss of taste or smell.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – NHS (www.nhs.uk) |
Yes, stay at home for 3 days or until feels well enough to return after 3 days and no temperature. Avoid contact with others. Inform school/nursery. |
Diphtheria ** |
High temperature, swollen glands, grey / white coating to throat or tongue.
Diphtheria – NHS (www.nhs.uk) |
Yes, stay at home is essential (contact UKSHA for advice on exclusion time).
Must inform GP. Inform school/nursery. |
Flu (Influenza) |
High temperature, achy body, sore throat, cough, and headache.
Flu – NHS (www.nhs.uk) |
Yes. Child needs to be well enough to attend school. Inform school/nursery. |
German measles**
*(see below re pregnancy) |
Mild fever, swollen glands, and a rash.
Rubella (german measles) – NHS (www.nhs.uk) |
Yes, as soon as symptoms develop until 5 days after the onset of the rash. Child needs to be well enough to attend
school. Inform school/nursery. |
Glandular fever |
High temperature, sore throat, swollen glands.
Glandular fever – NHS (www.nhs.uk) |
Yes. Child needs to be well enough to
attend school. Inform school/nursery. |
Hand, foot, and mouth disease
*(see below re: pregnancy) |
Fever, sore throat, headache. Small painful blisters can appear inside mouth, hands & feet.
Hand, foot and mouth disease – NHS(www.nhs.uk) |
No need to stay off school if child seems well enough to go but school or nursery should be informed. |
Head lice |
Itchy head, like something is moving in your hair.
Head lice and nits – NHS (www.nhs.uk) |
No need to stay off but school or
nursery should be informed. Treatment recommended only when live lice seen. |
Impetigo |
Starts with red sores or blisters. These can be itchy, painful, and spread.
Impetigo – NHS (www.nhs.uk) |
Yes, until lesions are crusted & healed or 48 hours after starting antibiotics.
Inform school/nursery. |
Measles **
*(see below re: pregnancy) |
Usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a rash a few days later. Small spots in mouth may appear.
Measles – NHS (www.nhs.uk) |
Yes. Stay off school or nursery for at least 4 days from when the rash appears and when they are well enough to attend. Contact your GP. Inform
school/nursery |