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18 August 2025

Back to School Wellness Checklist for UK Families and Schools 

Back to School Wellness Checklist for UK Families and Schools 

The new school year brings fresh uniforms and sharpened pencils, along with the germs that always seem to appear once the term begins! In 2023/24, illness was the biggest single driver of pupil absence in England, accounting for 3.5% of possible sessions, and overall absence rose from autumn to spring and summer terms. Reducing preventable illness is good for children’s learning, parents’ workload, and school operations alike. 

This practical, evidence-based checklist covers hygiene habits, what to pack, when to keep children at home, the latest on vaccinations for pupils and staff, and how Doctorcall supports schools with workplace flu vaccination clinics for staff. 

Prevent the Spread of Illness at Home and School 

1) Make handwashing non-negotiable 

Teach (and model) proper handwashing with soap and water for 20 seconds before eating, after using the toilet, after coughing/sneezing, and when arriving home.  

Note: Singing “Happy Birthday” twice is a simple timer children remember! 

Tip: Remove rings/bracelets before washing where possible, lather backs of hands/thumbs/fingertips, and dry thoroughly.  

2) Respiratory hygiene  

Reinforce “catch it, bin it, kill it”: use tissues for coughs/sneezes, bin them immediately, then wash hands. Discourage spitting and sharing drinks.  

3) Don’t rely on hand gel alone 

Alcohol gels don’t reliably kill norovirus. When there’s diarrhoea/vomiting in the household, soap and warm water and bleach-based surface cleaning are best; avoid preparing food for others during illness and for 48 hours after symptoms stop.  

4) Fresh air matters 

Open windows for short bursts, use extractor fans, and avoid overcrowded, poorly ventilated rooms where possible. (Good ventilation reduces the risk of respiratory infections spreading.) 

5) When to keep your child at home 

Keep children off school with fever, vomiting/diarrhoea (48 hours after last episode), and certain infections like impetigo until treated/cleared. For many mild respiratory symptoms without fever, attendance is often fine if they feel well enough to learn.  

Common “Back-To-School” Bugs—And What Helps

➔ Respiratory viruses (colds, flu, COVID-19) 

Encourage handwashing, respiratory etiquette, staying home with fever, and vaccination where eligible. Seasonal flu activity can start from October, with peaks in winter months. 

➔ Norovirus (“winter vomiting bug”) 

Highly infectious and spreads rapidly in schools and households. Prioritise thorough soap-and-water handwashing; alcohol gels are not reliable for norovirus. Exclude from school for 48 hours after symptoms stop. 

➔ Head lice 

No medication prevents head lice; regular wet combing with a detection comb is advised. Treat if you find live lice and check the whole family. 

Build Healthy Daily Habits (That Kids Actually Follow) 

🔹Sleep routines: Shift bedtime/wake time a week before term; aim for age-appropriate sleep to support immunity and learning. 

🔹Balanced breakfasts & hydration: Pack water bottles; encourage fruit/veg snacks to avoid afternoon slumps. 

🔹Activity & fresh air: Walk or cycle part of the journey where possible. 

🔹Hygiene rituals: Put tissues, pocket hand gel (for when sinks aren’t available), and a spare pack of wipes in their bag. 

🔹Talk about health: Explain why we wash hands/cover coughs so the habits stick. 

What to Put In a Simple School-Day Health Kit 

✔️ Refillable water bottle 

✔️Tissues and a small resealable bag for used ones until they reach a bin 

✔️Pocket hand gel (useful between sinks, but remember soap and water are best for norovirus)  

✔️Spare face covering (if advised locally during outbreaks) 

✔️Lip balm and plasters for minor scrapes 

✔️Contact details for parents/carers and medical information (allergies, regular medication) 

When to Seek Advice—And Where a Private GP Fits 

If you’re unsure whether symptoms need a review, start with reputable online health guidance. For non-urgent issues where you prefer rapid access and continuity, a private GP can offer same-day advice, prescriptions, and referral letters. Doctorcall provides private GP appointments in London, along with UK-wide virtual and telephone consultations, all with flexible scheduling to fit around family life and school timetables. 

How Doctorcall Supports Schools and Staff 

➤ Workplace flu and COVID vaccination clinics for staff: On-site sessions timed to staff meetings or INSET days help maximise uptake and reduce term-time disruption. 

➤ Experienced clinicians: Our nurses are professional, approachable, and accustomed to working in educational settings. All have completed enhanced DBS checks. 

➤ Experienced clinicians: Our nurses are experienced, friendly and used to working in educational settings. And have been enhanced DBS checked. 

➤ Private GP Access: Teachers and staff can access private GP appointments with video or telephone options available 24/7 for out-of-hours convenience. 

For schools looking to support staff more fully, our Company Doctor Membership offers an enhanced package. Benefits include unlimited virtual consultations, workplace visits during office hours, home visits in London, electronic prescriptions, referral letters, and an annual flu vaccination voucher. Memberships provide peace of mind for staff while helping schools attract and retain valued team members. 

For Teachers and Support Staff: Quick Actions This Term 

🔹Book your flu vaccination; if your school offers a workplace clinic, sign up early to secure your preferred dates 

🔹Keep a small health kit in your desk (water, tissues, hand gel, plasters). 

🔹Encourage a consistent classroom routine for hygiene and ventilation. 

🔹Know when to advise parents to keep children at home 

Flu and COVID Vaccinations for Teachers and School Staff 

Vaccinating school staff is one of the most effective ways to reduce disruption from seasonal illness and maintain continuity in the classroom. When teachers and support staff are protected against flu, there is less risk of widespread absence, last-minute lesson cover, and the knock-on effects that can impact pupils’ learning. 

Many schools now arrange on-site workplace flu clinics, making it easy and convenient for staff to be vaccinated during the school day. This approach not only supports attendance but also promotes a healthier working environment throughout the winter months. 
Doctorcall provides workplace flu and COVID vaccination clinics for school staff, delivered by experienced nurses, helping to boost uptake and minimise sickness-related disruption. 

Flu Vouchers – Flexible Protection for Your Team 

For staff who cannot attend an on-site clinic, flu vouchers are a simple and affordable alternative. Doctorcall flu vouchers can be redeemed at more than 3,500 pharmacies nationwide. Available in paper or digital format, they give employees the freedom to book at a time and location that suits them, while ensuring your organisation still benefits from reduced absence and disruption. 

Illness is the leading cause of school absence, and term-time mixing drives rapid spread of seasonal infections. Healthy habits, up-to-date vaccinations and clear decisions about attendance all add up to fewer absences and smoother weeks for families and schools.  

Parents/Teachers: need fast, convenient care? Book a private GP or a UK-wide video/phone consultation with Doctorcall. 

School administrators : ready to reduce staff sickness peaks? Ask about Doctorcall workplace flu clinics for your team this term. 


References 

NHS – How to wash your hands (last reviewed 15 March 2023). (nhs.uk

NHS – Is my child too ill for school? (nhs.uk

UKHSA – Children and young people settings: tools and resources (updated 5 March 2025). (GOV.UK

UKHSA – Preventing and controlling infections in schools/childcare settings (updated 5 March 2025). (GOV.UK

UK Government / DfE – Pupil absence in schools in England 2023/24 (published 20 March 2025). (GOV.UK, Explore Education Statistics

UK Government / UKHSA – Annual flu programme collection + schools guidance (2025/26). (GOV.UK

NHS – Children’s flu vaccine (school-age programme). (nhs.uk

UK Government / UKHSA – National flu immunisation programme letter 2025–26 (no cohort change). (GOV.UK

UK Government – Advice accepted on autumn 2025 COVID-19 vaccination programme (JCVI). (GOV.UK

UKHSA Blog – Who’s eligible for the 2025 COVID-19 autumn booster. (UK Health Security Agency Blog

NHS – HPV vaccine (Year 8; single-dose schedule for most; catch-up to 25). (nhs.uk

NHS/UKHSA – HPV universal vaccination (PGD/implementation detail). (NHS England

UK Government / UKHSA – Measles outbreaks update (June 2025) & 2025 case data (monthly). (GOV.UK

UK Government / UKHSA – National norovirus & rotavirus surveillance (seasonal reports). (GOV.UK

NHS – Head lice and nits. (nhs.uk

Community Pharmacy England – Adult flu vaccination NBS timings (2025). (Community Pharmacy England

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