Checking for illnesses

An important part of safeguarding is to look out for signs of illness in children and take appropriate action to support them.

Think first

Do you know any common signs of illness in children and young people? Type some ideas in the box below.

Now click to learn more about the main signs of illness.

Main signs of illness in children and young people

  • Little or no appetite
  • Lack of energy
  • Body temperature higher than normal
  • Skin rash
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea
  • Changed behaviour
  • Constipation
  • Headache, stomach ache, earache
  • Coughing/sneezing

There is specific guidance to follow in relation to when children may return to a childcare setting after illness – this guidance prevents children from returning to the setting while they are still contagious and therefore helps to control the spread of illness.

Click through the slides below to find out more.

  • Vomiting and/or diarrhoea

    The child may return once they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.

  • Chicken pox

    The child may return once all spots/blisters have formed scabs and no more new spots are developing.

  • Cold/flu symptoms

    The child may return once their temperature has returned to normal and been stable for 24 hours.

  • Conjunctivitis

    The child may return once the condition has been treated with antibiotics for 24 hours.

  • Head lice

    The child may return once their head has been treated and is free of live lice or eggs.

  • Impetigo

    The child may return once their skin is clear or if they have been receiving treatment for at least 24 hours.

Key point

It’s important to remember that children often find it difficult to describe how they are feeling. For example, they may say they have a sore tummy, when they actually feel nervous or upset. Also, when children are ill, their symptoms can develop or change very quickly, so you should always take them seriously and act appropriately.