Health and Wellbeing at School

At Millbay Academy, we know that a child’s health and wellbeing are closely linked to their ability to learn and thrive. We also understand that it can sometimes be difficult to decide whether your child is too unwell to attend school. This page offers clear guidance on common symptoms, when to keep your child at home, and how to report absences. Our aim is to support families in making informed decisions that prioritise both health and education, helping every student stay on track while staying well.

Symptoms & What They Mean

Some symptoms, like a mild headache or tiredness, can often be managed at school. Others, such as a high temperature, vomiting, or diarrhoea usually mean your child should stay home to rest and avoid spreading illness to others. If you ever decide to keep your child off you must inform the school every day they are off.

We encourage parents to check in with their child each morning. If you're ever unsure about whether they’re well enough to attend, we recommend contacting NHS 111 for professional advice.

Keeping everyone healthy helps keep everyone learning.

Should I Send my Child to School?

Healthy Habits

We place a strong focus on healthy habits. Regular handwashing, using tissues when sneezing, and coughing into an elbow rather than hands are simple but effective ways to stop the spread of germs. You’ll find reminder posters in every toilet and around the school to support students in making these behaviours second nature.

We kindly ask that these messages are reinforced at home too. Together, we can help build a culture of care and responsibility, keeping everyone healthier, happier and ready to learn.

Stay Protected This Flu Season

As we move through flu season, it’s more important than ever to take steps to protect your child’s health. Flu can spread quickly among school communities and can lead to serious illness, particularly for children with underlying health conditions. One of the most effective ways to protect your child (and those around them) is through vaccination.

We encourage all parents and carers to consider booking a flu vaccination for their child. It’s a safe, quick and proven way to reduce the risk of flu-related complications and absences from school.

Please refer to the poster below for full contact information for our local immunisation services. They’ll be able to answer any questions and help you book an appointment that suits your schedule.