How long to keep your child off school for
How long to keep your child off school if they are unwell
Information adapted from Public Health Guidance on Infection Control in Schools
Diarrhoea and vomiting – 48 hours AFTER last episode
Flu – until recovered
Chickenpox – 5 days after onset of rash as long as vesicles have crusted over
German measles/measles – 4 days from onset of rash
Whooping cough – 48 hours from commencing antibiotic treatment, or 21 days from onset of illness if no antibiotic treatment
COVID-19 – stay at home for 3 days after testing positive/when symptoms started
Impetigo – until lesions are crusted and healed, or 48 hours after commencing antibiotic treatment
Scarlet fever – can return 24 hours after commencing appropriate antibiotic treatment
Shingles – keep at home only if rash is weeping and cannot be covered
Hand, foot and mouth – no need to keep off school if well enough, but please inform school
Mumps – 5 days after onset of swelling
Head lice – treatment is recommended and please inform school
Slapped cheek – school must be informed due to serious risk of vulnerable children and pregnant women
Diphtheria – exclusion is essential
Ringworm – treatment required
Scabies – child can return after first treatment