Quick answer: Your child can usually go to nursery with a mild cold if they don’t have a temperature and feel well enough to join in. Keep them at home if they have a high temperature (38°C or above), more than mild symptoms, or have been sick or had diarrhoea in the last 48 hours. Some illnesses need a set time off, for example 5 days from the rash for chickenpox.
Runny noses, coughs and tummy bugs are part of nursery life, especially in winter. This guide uses the latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance for childcare settings, updated in September 2026, along with NHS advice. It’s general information, not medical advice. If you’re worried about your child, speak to your GP or call NHS 111.
Can my child go to nursery with a cold or cough?
Yes, usually. If your child has mild cold symptoms, such as a runny nose, a slight cough or a sore throat, and is otherwise well, they can usually come to nursery.
Keep them at home if they:
- have a high temperature
- have more than mild symptoms of a cough, cold or other respiratory infection
- have been sick or had diarrhoea in the last 48 hours
- are too unwell to enjoy their day and join in with activities
How long should my child stay off nursery?
It depends on the illness. Tummy bugs need 48 hours after the last episode, chickenpox needs 5 days from when the rash appears, and some illnesses, like conjunctivitis, need no time off at all. Here are the recommended times away for common childhood illnesses, from the UKHSA exclusion guidance:
- Diarrhoea and vomiting (including norovirus): stay off until 2 days (48 hours) after the symptoms have stopped.
- Chickenpox: stay off until 5 days after the rash first appears.
- Flu: stay off until they’re better and no longer have a temperature.
- Coughs, colds, COVID-19 and other respiratory infections: stay off if they have more than mild symptoms, such as a high temperature. They can come back when they no longer have a temperature and feel well enough.
- Scarlet fever: stay off until 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
- Impetigo: stay off until all the blisters have scabbed over, or 2 days after starting antibiotics.
- Measles: stay off until 4 days after the rash started.
- Conjunctivitis: no need to stay off.
- Hand, foot and mouth disease: no need to stay off if your child feels well.
- Head lice: no need to stay off. Treat them at home.
Why do children need to stay off for 48 hours after being sick?
Because they can still be infectious after they seem better. Tummy bugs like norovirus spread very easily, especially among young children who share toys and are still learning to wash their hands. Your child may seem better after a day, but they can still pass the bug on. Waiting 48 hours after the last episode helps protect the other children and our staff.
What counts as a high temperature in a child?
The NHS says a high temperature in children is 38°C or above. If your child has a temperature, keep them at home until it has gone without medicine.
Please don’t give medicine to bring a temperature down before nursery. The fever can come back during the day, and our team needs an accurate picture of how your child is.
When should I get medical help for my child?
Get help whenever you’re worried, and urgently if your child is struggling to breathe or very unwell. Contact your GP or call NHS 111 if you’re worried. Call 999 or go to A&E if your child:
- is struggling to breathe
- has a rash that doesn’t fade when you press a glass against it
- is unusually drowsy or hard to wake
- has a seizure (fit)
- shows signs of dehydration, such as far fewer wet nappies than usual
Should my child have the flu vaccine?
Yes, if they’re eligible. Children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2026 (born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2024) can get a free flu vaccine on the NHS. For most children, it’s a quick, painless spray up the nose, with no injection.
You can book it through your GP surgery, or at a pharmacy that offers the free NHS children’s flu vaccine. It’s available until 31 March 2027, but it’s best to have it early, before flu starts spreading. Find out more on the NHS children’s flu vaccine page.
How can I stop germs spreading at home?
Good handwashing is the most important thing. These simple habits also help:
- Make handwashing fun. Sing a short song while you wash, and wash before meals and after the toilet or nappy changes.
- Catch it, bin it, kill it. Teach your child to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow, then wash their hands.
- Use separate towels when someone in the family is unwell.
- Wipe down shared surfaces and favourite toys during a tummy bug.
- Keep up good sleep and healthy meals. For ideas, see our healthy eating activities.
How does Happy Tree Academy keep children well?
Through daily routines, cleaning and plenty of fresh air. At our Northwood nursery, handwashing is built into every part of the day, and toys and play areas are cleaned regularly. Children get fresh air every day in our covered outdoor area and Forest School.
If your child becomes unwell while they’re with us, we’ll contact you straight away, and you’ll get daily updates through our parent app. If you’re ever unsure whether your child should come in, just give us a call. We’re always happy to talk it through. If your child is new to nursery, our guide on how to settle a child into nursery explains what to expect in the first few weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child go to nursery with chickenpox?
No. Children should stay off nursery until 5 days after the chickenpox rash first appears.
How long after vomiting can my child go back to nursery?
48 hours (2 days) after the last episode of sickness or diarrhoea.
Does my child need to stay off with conjunctivitis?
No. UKHSA guidance says children don’t need to stay away from nursery with conjunctivitis.
Does my child need to stay off with hand, foot and mouth?
No, as long as they feel well enough to join in with the day.
Questions about our health and sickness policy? Contact our team and we’ll be happy to help.
