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Illness Advice

The NHS gives the following advice on how long children should stay off school for if they are unwell.

  • Vomiting and/or diarrhoea – 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped.
  • Chickenpox – When all the spots have crusted over, usually 5 days after they first appeared.
  • Impetigo – 48 hours after starting prescription medication, or when the patches have crusted over if they aren’t taking medication.
  • Scarlet Fever – 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
  • Hand, foot and mouth – As long as your child is feeling unwell, but there is no need to wait until the blisters heal before they return.
  • Measles – at least 4 days after the rash develops.
  • Scabies – 24 hours after the first treatment.
  • Shingles – when the last blister has scabbed – usually 10 to 14 days after they first appear.

There is no need for your child to stay off school with the following conditions, unless they’re feeling unwell;

  • Slapped cheek
  • Coughs and colds
  • Threadworms
  • Ringworm
  • Verrucas

For further information on illnesses, please visit;

Is my child too ill for school? - NHS (www.nhs.uk)