Is Your Child Well Enough for School?

Going to school regularly is important for learning, confidence, social development and wellbeing. If your child is unwell, it can sometimes be difficult to know whether they should attend.

As a general guide, children with mild symptoms who are otherwise well, eating and drinking normally, and able to take part in learning can usually attend school. If your child is too unwell to learn, needs to rest and recover, or has symptoms such as a fever, vomiting or diarrhoea, they should stay home.

For more information, please read the Ministry of Education’s guidance on knowing when a child is well enough to attend school, including common symptoms, when to stay home and when your child can return.

Read the Ministry of Education guidance

If you are concerned about your child’s health, seek medical advice. Healthline: 0800 611 116 (free, 24/7). In an emergency, call 111.