As the school term gets underway, we’d like to highlight valuable guidance from UKHSA on managing winter illnesses in education settings. Please share as appropriate.
You can read the full advice here: Back to school – 5 things to do to help manage winter illness.
Key actions for schools and families include:
- Stay home when feeling unwell
Children with fever, vomiting or diarrhoea should remain at home until symptoms have cleared—this is crucial to reducing transmission.
- Promote excellent hand hygiene
Encourage regular hand washing with soap and warm water, or using hand sanitiser, to help stop the spread of germs.
- Teach safe cough and sneeze etiquette
Remind students to use tissues, dispose of them properly, and wash hands afterward—e‑Bug resources are available to support teaching these habits.
- Encourage flu vaccination
Flu vaccines—particularly the nasal spray for children—are the best defence. Eligible groups include 2–3-year-olds, school-aged children, and those with specific conditions.
- Use NHS and e‑Bug resources
Additional information on symptoms, home care, and classroom-based educational materials is available via NHS UK and e‑Bug.
We encourage all settings to share this guidance with staff and parents to safeguard the health of pupils and the wider school community. Thank you for your ongoing support in maintaining a safe learning environment.
