If your child is sick and you are unsure if they should attend school, please use these guidelines below to help you make that judgment.
1.Cough, cold & nasal congestion
A child with a minor cough or cold may attend school. If the cold is accompanied by a temperature, shivers or drowsiness, the child shouldn’t attend school and we recommend that they see a doctor. If your child has nasal congestion, they should not attend school except if it is caused by an allergy. If this is the case, you will need to clarify what the allergy is caused by. We ask that you return your child to school 24 hours after they start to feel better. If your child has a severe and long-lasting cough, consult your doctor for advice.
2. Raised temperature
If your child has a raised temperature, they shouldn't attend school (a raised temperature is considered anything higher than 37°C If your child has a raised temperature accompanied by other symptoms, BCIS recommends that you consult your doctor. Your child should only return to school 24 hours after symptoms are no longer present.
3. Sore Throat
A sore throat alone doesn't have to keep a child from school. However, if it is accompanied by a raised temperature or other symptoms, your child should stay at home.
4. Headache
A child with a minor headache doesn't usually need to be kept off school. If the headache is more severe or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a raised temperature or drowsiness, then keep your child off school and please consult your doctor.
5. COVID-19
If your child tests positive for COVID-19 or is showing symptoms, parents must inform the school immediately, they should remain at home for at least 5 days. Your child should only return to school 24 hours after symptoms are no longer present. Once the illness has passed, please provide a doctor’s certificate stating that the student is fit to return to school or a negative test result, if required. The school will take necessary cleaning and disinfection measures.
6. H1N1/Flu
If your child has H1N1 or they are showing flu like symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, body aches, chills or headaches, they should remain at home for at least 5 days. Your child should only return to school 24 hours after symptoms are no longer present. Once the illness has passed, please provide a doctor’s certificate stating that the student is fit to return to school.
7. Rash
Skin rashes can be the first sign of many infectious illnesses, such as chickenpox and measles. Children with these conditions shouldn't attend school. If your child has a rash, check with your doctor before they return to school.
8. Vomiting and diarrhea
Children with diarrhea and/or vomiting should definitely be kept off from school for at least 48 hours after their symptoms have gone. In most cases of diarrhea and vomiting, children recover without treatment. However, if symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
9. Chickenpox
If your child has chickenpox, keep them off school for at least 5 days until all their blisters have crusted over.
10. Hand Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
If your child has HFMD or they are showing symptoms such as raised temperature (around 37.5 C), tummy pain, coughing, mouth ulcers or loss of appetite, they should remain at home. Once the illness has passed, please provide a doctor's certificate stating that the student is fit to return to school.
11. Conjunctivitis
If your child has conjunctivitis, please keep them off from school until all discharge from their eyes has ceased.
12. Head lice and nits
If a student is found to be infested with head lice or nits, they will be sent home. An information sheet will be sent home to the parent/guardian. Upon return to school after treatment, a head check is required by the school nurse and/or principal’s designee in the presence of the parent/guardian for re-admittance. Parents/guardians must transport their child to school on the morning of the head check.
13. Contagious disease
If your child has been diagnosed with a contagious disease, please inform the school as soon as possible so we can take the necessary precautions to keep it contained.