Swine Flu information for parents and carers

My child is showing cold symptoms, should I send them to school?

Yes, if they are just showing mild cold symptoms.

No, if they have symptoms of flu such as:

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• muscle aches.

If in any doubt about whether your child has a flu virus, get medical advice before returning them to school.

Why have you not closed my child's school when there is someone who attends who has swine flu?

We act on advice from NHS Lothian about school closures. Generally, management of swine flu has moved from containment to treatment and there is no benefit to be gained from closing schools.

Am I allowed to keep my child at home during the outbreak?

As far as possible schools and centres will be operating as normal and you will be expected to send your child as usual.

What will happen if my child is taken ill during the day?

They will be looked after by the school (or in the care setting) until you are able to collect them.

What about my child's exams?

Priority will be given to pupils sitting exams and every effort will be made to ensure that they do not miss classes.

Would the Council ensure that Out of School Clubs continue to function should their staff be off sick?

The Council will provide what support we can to enable the out-of-school clubs to continue to operate. However, as these are operated independently of the Council, we cannot guarantee they will continue to run.

What alternative childcare arrangements will the Council make should a Partnership Nursery close?

The council will provide what support we can to enable the Partnership Nurseries to continue to operate. However, as these are operated independently of the Council, we cannot guarantee they will continue to run or provide alternative childcare arrangements.