At Wreake, we want every child to enjoy a full and positive education. We know how important it is for students to remain in school wherever possible, and we want to reassure you that we only send students home when it is genuinely necessary for their wellbeing or for infection-control reasons.
Our priority is always to keep your child safe, well cared for and supported while they are with us. Most minor illnesses or symptoms can be managed in school, and our staff will ensure your child is comfortable and looked after.
Below is a clear guide outlining examples of when we would likely send a student home and when we would not, based on NHS and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance.
When We like to keep a student in school and prefer not to send Home
Many common mild symptoms do not require time away from school. If your child has one of these, we will look after them in school and keep you informed as needed.
Examples:
✔ Mild coughs, colds, runny noses
Children can attend school if they do not have a high temperature and feel well enough to take part. Our pastoral team and classroom teachers will empathise and make slight adjustments to support them in the classroom. Should your child require painkillers or antibiotics to support their recovery you will need to complete the Administration of Medication form on the link below. Medication must be in the original packaging, clearly labelled with your child’s name and dosage. Medication must be brought to reception, not kept with the student.
Administration of Medication Form – Fill In Form
✔ Conjunctivitis (mild), unless very unwell
NHS and UKHSA state there is no need to keep children off school for conjunctivitis unless symptoms are very severe. Prompt treatment and good hand hygiene helps to prevent spread.
✔ Head lice
No exclusion is required. Children can remain in school while treatment begins.
✔ Cold sores, hand‑foot‑and‑mouth (mild), warts, verrucae, glandular fever
These illnesses have no exclusion period, meaning students can attend school.
When We Would Send a Student Home
We will ask you to collect your child if they have symptoms that require removal from school, in line with national guidance.
Examples:
✔ Vomiting or diarrhoea
Individuals should remain at home until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped and they are well enough to return.
✔ High temperature / fever
A child with a very high temperature should not be in school and may need to go home until their temperature settles.
✔ They are too unwell to take part in normal activities
If your child is unusually sleepy, unable to eat/drink, or clearly very uncomfortable, we will contact you.
✔ Infectious illnesses that require time off
Examples include chickenpox (until blisters crusted), Shingles (in cases where the rash cannot be covered), measles, mumps, scarlet fever (24 hours after antibiotics) etc., all listed in UKHSA exclusion guidance. Please notify us through the absence line and also complete the Infectious Diseases form on our website so that we can make vulnerable students and staff aware. In some cases we are required to contact Public Health
Our Commitment to Your Child
While your child is at school:
- We will monitor them carefully if they report feeling unwell.
- We will ensure they are looked after and supported.
- We will contact you only when necessary, and always with your child’s best interests in mind.
- Our decisions will always follow NHS and UKHSA health guidance to keep everyone safe.
We are aware that at time students themselves contact you directly. If sending your child in to school who does seem a little under the weather, please encourage them to not contact you directly. We ask that you please advise them to go to the Pastoral Hub if they feel ill where we will make an assessment and contact you if required.
We appreciate your ongoing support in helping us maintain a healthy school environment. By working together, we can ensure that students remain in school as much as possible while keeping them safe and well.