Exclusion of staff and pupils experiencing symptoms of
gastroenteritis (diarrhoea and/or vomiting) from school
Dear Head Teacher
RE: Exclusion of staff and pupils experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis (diarrhoea
and/or vomiting) from school
We have been informed by Public Health England (PHE) – East of England of situations
where some schools in our area have been advising their pupils and staff suffering from
gastroenteritis (i.e. diarrhoea and/or vomiting – D&V) not to return to school until 24 hours
after they are symptom free. This is not correct and will put your school’s pupils and staff at
increased risk of acquiring an infection at school.
Please note, the official Public Health England and NHS England advice in such situations is
exclusion 48 hours after the person is completely symptom free.
We urge you to follow the PHE guidance and to update your infection control policy
accordingly.
The PHE Guidance on infection control in schools and healthcare settings can be found on
the PHE website at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/353953/Guida
nce_on_infection_control_in_schools_11_Sept.pdf
School staff can report an outbreak, seek specialist infection control and health protection
advice by contacting Public Health England – East of England (Witham Office) on 0345
1550069.