Not allowed in school for a runny nose?!

[AndThatsNotRight]

Had an email from my DCs school to say that they want us to keep kids at home now if they have just a runny nose – it specifically says even if no fever etc – this is ridiculous!

One of my DCs has a permanent runny nose because of allergies, you can't get them tested for that and then send them back into school because of a negative test – and it would be a ridiculous waste of tests even if you could!

What would you do if you had this letter from school?

I’d comply. It sounds like they are trying to keep everyone safe.

Would be different if you had proof it was an allergy to x from testing.

I would ignore the email.

We have confirmation of a condition of which allergies are part.

You really think it's reasonable to keep kids home for just a runny nose?

My dd currently has a runny nose, she's had it for a month already. She isn't at school age right now, but if she was I wouldn't keep her off for it. She isn't poorly.

This is terrible - my child would barely be in school if this was the case. Not sure what you can do though, maybe ask to discuss the policy further and hear the evidence base?

My DD has a permanent runny nose, she’d never be school if mine adopted this policy.

This is my issue- that particular child would never be in school!

Ridiculous. Ignore.

I’m a teacher and a mum and I’d never have been in work when my DD1 was younger. She was constantly full of green snot until she had her tonsils and adenoids taken out aged 3. I work in a school nursery and expect snotty children, we have a snuffle station with tissues and mirrors and teach the children good hygiene.

All 3 cases in my year 6 class showed no other symptoms apart from runny noses. One had a bit of a cough. They were all fine but their older siblings and families and our TA were not - so yes, listen to your school. They're not saying it for fun.

@AndThatsNotRight

We have confirmation of a condition of which allergies are part.

You really think it's reasonable to keep kids home for just a runny nose?

Difficult though this is... Yes I do think in these circumstances it's reasonable. There have been 3 cases at our child's school and two of them runny noses was the only visible symptom. I get how frustrating for your family this must be but I'm sure the school are just doing their best for the majority

We've had a similar email from ds's High school. Told not to attend if he basically has any symptoms of a cold etc including headache. This is a new thing as prior to half term he had a cold and was not sent home from school.

My DD had confirmed Covid. Her symptoms were "a cold".

Most of the cases in schools here were asymptomatic- so none of them can go to school then....

Did your child see a GP or Consultant to diagnose their allergies?

If so I would get a copy of that part of their medical records and kick up a stink.

Even when the school backs down I probably would raise local public awareness of the stupidity of some school leadership teams. Then again I have a condition where I cough a lot and frequently have a runny nose.

Does your child have smelly feet?
I was told by a doctor (I think) in a pub that if your nose runs and your feet smell then you've been built upside down.

Did your child see a GP or Consultant to diagnose their allergies?

If so I would get a copy of that part of their medical records and kick up a stink.

Even when the school backs down I probably would raise local public awareness of the stupidity of some school leadership teams. Then again I have a condition where I cough a lot and frequently have a runny nose.

The condition is well documented and the school is supportive so we're ok on that one. I'd just have to explain the link

Ok so you are left to kick up a stink.

You can do it as you know they are being ridiculous.

A school local to here has had over 20 cases. 3 of which the only symptom was diareah.
The rest asymptomatic or only cold like symptoms. They've changed their policy no no child to attend if unwell in any way whatsoever until tested

Are they are local authority maintained school? If so check with your local authority re their policy , the school should be following it...if it’s a free school, private, academy etc they can do what they like

I'd ask if the local education authority had agreed to that, which I would really doubt.

@Christmaspud20

A school local to here has had over 20 cases. 3 of which the only symptom was diareah. The rest asymptomatic or only cold like symptoms. They've changed their policy no no child to attend if unwell in any way whatsoever until tested

But they can't get tested if they don't have one of the main three symptoms, aren't required to isolate, parents won't get support...

We're talking about a school of 2,500 over two sites who've had 6 confirmed cases (unless they're not telling us about all of them but that would seem odd). Another local school has also had 6 with less then 1,000 pupils and most of the cases between the two schools have been asymptomatic.

@mightyducks

Are they are local authority maintained school? If so check with your local authority re their policy , the school should be following it...if it’s a free school, private, academy etc they can do what they like

It's an academy. Actually, all the secondaries here are.