Regular handwashing, good respiratory habits, and a clean environment help reduce illnesses such as colds, flu, and stomach bugs—keeping pupils in school and ready to learn.

A whole-school approach

Creating a healthy school environment means embedding simple habits into everyday routines:

Washing hands regularly and thoroughly
Covering coughs and sneezes
Keeping classrooms and shared spaces clean
Promoting clear health messages

These small actions make a big difference in reducing illness and disruption.

Handwashing: the key message

Handwashing is one of the most important ways to stop infections spreading, particularly those that cause diarrhoea, vomiting and respiratory illness.

Encourage pupils and staff to wash hands:

After using the toilet
Before eating or handling food
After coughing, sneezing or blowing their nose
After touching animals or outdoor surfaces

Good practice includes:

Using liquid soap, warm water and paper towels
Washing for at least 20 seconds
Covering cuts with a waterproof dressing

Catch it, bin it, kill it

Respiratory hygiene is just as important as handwashing.

Encourage everyone in school to:

Use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes
Dispose of tissues straight away
Wash hands after using or throwing away tissues

Supporting pupils to learn good habits

Helping children understand why hygiene matters is key to building lifelong habits. Schools can:

Include hygiene messages in lessons and assemblies
Use visual reminders in toilets and classrooms
Reinforce routines throughout the school day

👉 e-Bug resources provide free, curriculum-linked activities and materials for primary and secondary schools, helping children learn about germs, hygiene and infection prevention in an engaging way.

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Information and support

Schools are encouraged to regularly check Right Choice for the latest updates, guidance and resources.

· Caring for children with coughs (leaflet)

· Consult guidance – Health protection in children and young people's settings, including education - GOV.UK

· UKHSA Health Protection team contact details - Contacts: UKHSA health protection teams - GOV.UK

· How to wash your hands - NHS

· Catch it, Bin it, Kill it Poster - Infection Prevention Control

Key message

Good hygiene is a shared responsibility. By embedding simple habits across the school day, schools can:

✅ Reduce the spread of illness
✅ Improve attendance
✅ Support wellbeing and learning
✅ Create a healthier school environment for all

Managing Infectious Diseases