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 the NHS website.
