Information About Illnesses

Information for parents and carers.

Please let us know as soon as possible about your child's illness.

Contact the school office from 8.00am onwards to inform us of your child's absence. You should ring every day you child will be away from school. Our number is 01922 720792.

If we haven't heard from you by 9.30am, then we will send a text to request information about your child's absence.

School monitors absence each week. We also liaise with Walsall Council Attendance Officers on a weekly basis. We will contact you to discuss any patterns in absence or concerns about your child's current attendance.

If your child is frequently absent due to illness the school may request permission to contact your GP for confirmation that they are too ill to attend school.

When deciding whether or not your child is too ill to attend school. Ask yourself:

  • Is your child well enough to carry out the activities of the school day?
  • Does your child have a condition that could be passed on to other children or school staff?
  • Would you take a day off work if you had this condition?

If you answer yes to any of these questions then you should consider keeping your child at home and seeking advice from your GP.


Common conditions

Most illnesses can be classified as one of a few minor health conditions. Whether or not you send your child to school will depend on how severe you judge the illness to be. This guidance can help you to make that judgement. If you’re concerned about your child’s health, always consult a health professional.


Cough and cold

A child with a minor cough or cold may attend school. If the cold is accompanied by raised temperature, shivers or drowsiness, the child should stay off school, visit the GP and return to school when they’re feeling better. If your child has a more severe and long-lasting cough, consult your GP, who can provide guidance on whether the child should stay off school.

Raised temperature

If your child has a raised temperature (38C) they shouldn’t attend school. Once their temperature has returned to normal (36.4C) they can return to school.

Rash

Rashes can be the first sign of many infectious illnesses such as chickenpox and measles. Children with these conditions shouldn’t attend school. If your child has a rash, check with your GP or practice nurse before sending them to school.

Headache

A child with a minor headache doesn’t usually need to be kept off school. If the headache is more severe or is accompanied by other symptoms such as raised temperature or drowsiness, then keep the child off school and consult your GP.

Vomiting and diarrhoea

Children with these conditions should be kept off school. They can return 48 hours after their symptoms disappear. Most cases of vomiting or diarrhoea get better without treatment, but if symptoms persist, consult your GP.

Sore throat

A sore throat alone doesn’t have to keep a child from school. If it’s accompanied by a raised temperature, the child should stay at home.


Remember to always seek medical advice if you are concerned about your child's health.

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