Should I Keep My Child Off School?

We are passionate about children being in school as much as possible and maintaining excellent attendance throughout the year. However, we also appreciate that sometimes, children are not well enough to be in school. We follow the guidance of health experts as to what is an appropriate time for a child to be off school with, or following, an illness.  

When your child is unwell, it can be hard deciding whether to keep them off school. These simple guidelines should help.  Use common sense when deciding whether or not your child is too ill to attend school. Ask yourself the following questions.

• Is my child well enough to do the activities of the school day? If not, keep your child at home.
• Does my child have a condition that could be passed on to other children or school staff? If so, keep your child at home.
• Would I take a day off work if I had this condition? If so, keep your child at home.

Common Conditions

If your child is ill, it is likely to be due to one of a few minor health conditions.  Whether you send your child to school will depend on how severe you think the illness is. Use this guidance to help you make that judgement.

Remember: if you are concerned about your child’s health, consult a health professional.

• Coughs and Colds. A child with a minor cough or cold may attend school. If the cold is accompanied by a raised temperature, shivers or drowsiness, your child should stay off school.  Contact your GP for advice and return to school 24 hours after they start to feel better.  
• Raised temperature. If your child has a raised temperature, they should not attend school.  
• Rash. Skin rashes can be the first sign of many infectious illnesses, such as chicken pox 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 your child off school and consult your GP.
• Vomiting and diarrhoea. Children with diarrhoea and/or vomiting should definitely be kept off school until 48 hours after their symptoms have gone. Most cases of diarrhoea and vomiting in children 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 is accompanied by a raised temperature, your child should stay at home and follow advice.
• Chicken pox. If your child has chickenpox, keep them off school for five days after the rash first appears.

Notifying the School of Absence

Please report any absences to the school office on 01293 772708 or e-mail the school at info@meath-green-infant.surrey.sch.uk  before 9.30am on the first day of absence.  Any unexplained absences will be recorded as unauthorised.  

If you wish to take your child out of school, please complete the Application for Leave of Absence Form and send it to the school office.