If Your Child Has A Cold, Here Are The 3 Main Reasons To Keep Them Off School

That being said, not all colds are the same. Shiels second point is important – if your child has a fever, they won’t be able to concentrate and they’ll have low energy. Similarly, if they’re struggling to breathe, they won’t be able to deal with sums or spellings. “Look at how easily distractible your child is – are they able to play, sing, watch TV like normal?” he says.

“Or are they very out of character? Are they eating and drinking? A headache is often resolved with a steamy shower and some Calpol. If your child doesn’t have a fever and is easily distractible, they are probably well enough for school.”

To this extent, there are no hard and fast rules about when you should keep them off school – as parents, you have to exercise some common sense.