Children might face these common health problems during the school year07:06, 02 Sep 2026Ahead of children returning to school after the summer holidays, or starting for the first time, the NHS posted a reminder online for parents. It can be hard to know what counts as being ill enough to stay home, and some conditions will not justify a sick day.‌In an Instagram post, the health service said: "With children heading back to school this week, it can be tricky deciding whether or not to keep your child at home if they are feeling unwell. If you're unsure, see our advice on when a child should be kept at home."‌Most schools will follow the UK Government guidance on what counts as an infectious disease. In some cases, conditions may not reach that standard and staying home is not excused.‌The health service added to its post: "If you do keep your child at home, it's important to phone the school or nursery on the first day. Let them know that your child won't be in and give them the reason."For full details about specific conditions, see the NHS website here. For advice, consult a doctor or pharmacist, depending on the condition.Content cannot be displayed without consent‌What does the NHS say about common illnesses in school?The NHS has set out clear advice for parents on when children should stay off school with illness - and when it’s usually safe to send them in. The guidance is in place to help limit the spread of infections while avoiding unnecessary absences.Chickenpox is one of the clearest examples of when children should be kept off school until all spots have crusted over, which is usually around five days after they first appear. For vomiting and diarrhoea, children should not return until at least 48 hours after the last episode.Some illnesses need treatment before a return to the classroom. Impetigo often needs antibiotics from a pharmacist or GP, and children should stay off until sores have crusted over and healed, or for 48 hours after starting antibiotics. Ringworm can usually be managed with pharmacy treatment (a GP is recommended for scalp ringworm), and children can go back to school once treatment has begun.‌Measles requires a GP assessment and parents are advised to call the surgery before attending because it spreads easily. Children should stay off school for at least four days from when the rash first appears, and avoid close contact with babies, pregnant people and anyone with a weakened immune system. Scarlet fever also needs antibiotics, and children can return to school 24 hours after starting them.What conditions can children still go to school with?For everyday coughs and colds, the guidance is more flexible. Children can still go to school with mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or slight cough, as long as they feel well and do not have a high temperature.Article continues belowParents are encouraged to reinforce hygiene habits, such as disposing of used tissues and washing hands regularly. Several common conditions do not usually require time off from school, such as:cold soresconjunctivitishead lice/nitsthreadwormsslapped cheek syndrome (though schools should be informed if slapped cheek is suspected)Children with mild COVID-19 symptoms who feel well can still go to school. They should stay at home if they have a high temperature or are too unwell for normal activities.