As the colder months approach, we can expect to see increases in common airborne viruses. Illness is the biggest single reason for school absence; while some absences due to illness are unavoidable, many can be reduced through simple, proactive measures that minimise the spread of infections.
The NHS provides clear guidance on when children are well enough to attend school. Most mild illnesses — such as a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough — do not require time off school, unless a child has a temperature.
What if my child is too ill to go to school?
It’s usually safe for parents and carers to send their children to school with mild illnesses, like a minor cough, runny nose or sore throat.
However, children should stay at home if they have a high temperature of 38C or above.
The NHS has published guidance to help parents and carers decide whether their child is well enough to attend school, including information on a range of common childhood illnesses and conditions, such as coughs, colds, chickenpox, measles and headlice.
What if my child is too anxious to go to school?
Children can sometimes feel a little bit worried about going to school. Mostly, this is a very normal emotion.
It’s important to recognise that going into school can help children to feel less worried than letting them stay at home.
If your child is anxious over several weeks, talk to us about how we can support you.
Here are some useful links on the Education Hub on mental health support which you may find helpful.
Appointments
Please go to the school office when you come to take your child for an appointment. They will then collect your child from the classroom. We are sorry that it is not possible for a child to leave the school unaccompanied to meet parents/carers for an appointment. Please inform the Office of your child’s appointment in advance and provide a letter/ appointment card where possible.
Medicines
Parents/carers who wish prescribed medicines to be administered to their child at Barton must fill in the appropriate form at the school office. Medicines or tablets should be handed in to the school office or to the learning support assistant. Only prescription medicines in the original box/container can be administered and can not be accepted when they are not in original box/container. Dose and time to administer medicines must match the printed prescription label from your doctor.
Medical Information
Please inform the school if your child has a serious recurring medical problem.
Medical Checks
The school nurse checks hearing, eye sight, height and weight at selected stages. All children will receive a full medical examination during their first year at school. You will be informed of this in writing.
Head lice
Please check your child’s hair regularly. If you are worried, please contact the school nurse (telephone 821388). Please use the conditioner/wet combing method. If you find an infestation please treat the whole family. Please inform the office so that the appropriate messages can be distributed to the class. Please keep long hair tied back. Please see the school office for a letter on treatment of head lice.
