Supporting schools to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people
Health protection
Schools are common sites for transmission of infections. Children are particularly susceptible because:
- they have immature immune systems
- have close contact with other children
- sometimes have no or incomplete vaccinations
- have a poor understanding of hygiene practices
The way to prevent and manage infectious disease in your school is to:
- promote immunisation
- promptly exclude the unwell child or member of staff
- check that effective handwashing is being carried out routinely
- A practical guide for staff on managing cases of infectious diseases in children and young people settings, including education - Health protection in children and young people settings, including education - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Toolkit to support early years and education settings with planning and preparation for winter infections and outbreaks, and in outbreak investigation and management - UKHSA South West winter readiness toolkit
- Health education programme providing free resources and lesson plans on infection prevention and control topics and antimicrobial resistance - e-bug
Wiltshire Public Health team regularly post updates, guidance and resources through Wiltshire public health pages on Rightchoice: Right Choice (wiltshire.gov.uk)
The following resources and case studies are available to help Wiltshire schools address some common issues as part of a whole school approach, including PSHE education.
Posters:
Shoud I keep my child off school checklist poster (publishing.service.gov.uk)
