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NHS Sets Back-to-School Rules on When to Keep Children Home

The guidance gives illness-by-illness exclusion periods to reduce classroom transmission as the new term begins.

Overview

  • Children with a high temperature of 38C or above should stay home until the fever has gone.
  • After a positive COVID-19 test, children are advised to stay home and limit contact for three days, though those with mild symptoms who feel well can attend.
  • For vomiting or diarrhoea, children should return only after 48 hours without symptoms.
  • Chickenpox cases should stay off until all spots have crusted, typically about five days after they first appear.
  • Scarlet fever requires GP-prescribed antibiotics, with return permitted 24 hours after treatment starts due to otherwise prolonged infectiousness.