The first week of school is often a mix of excitement, new routines and children getting used to being back in classrooms. But as students across the UAE returned to school on August 31, schools were also reminding parents of another important back-to-school rule: children who are unwell should stay home until they have recovered.
Schools are reminding families to keep children home with symptoms such as fever, cough, vomiting or diarrhoea, helping them recover while limiting the spread of illness in classrooms.
The guidance comes as schools begin a new academic year and settle millions of children into classrooms across the country, with school leaders stressing that keeping children healthy requires cooperation between parents and schools.
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UAE schools stress recovery before children return to class
Institutions are reminding families that their health and safety practices are aligned with recommendations from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
At Woodlem British School, Ajman, principal Natalia Svetenok said the message to parents is deliberately simple: children are better able to learn when they are feeling well.
“We always remind families of one simple thing: a child learns best when they are well. If a student has a fever, flu-like symptoms, vomiting or diarrhoea, staying home is the right choice until they have recovered and are ready to return safely. Medical certificates may be needed in certain infectious-disease cases, but not for every minor illness.”
The school also continues to focus on measures inside the campus, including cleanliness, ventilation and hygiene. Svetenok said communication between parents and schools remains particularly important when a child begins showing symptoms.
“In school, we continue to focus on clean classrooms, good ventilation, regular sanitisation and strong hygiene routines. What matters most is communication. When parents and schools work together early, we protect the wellbeing of every child and keep learning moving forward.”
For families, the distinction between a minor sniffle and symptoms that warrant keeping a child at home can sometimes be difficult, particularly during the busy first weeks of the academic year. Schools are therefore encouraging parents to err on the side of caution when children develop fever, gastrointestinal symptoms or other signs of illness.
Vaccination remains part of schools’ wider health measures
Alongside illness-prevention measures, institutions will also continue vaccination initiatives as part of their broader approach to student health.
At Sharjah Indian School, vaccination programmes begin well ahead of the new academic year. Principal Pramod Mahajan said families are asked to provide vaccination records, allowing the school to identify any gaps and, where appropriate, facilitate vaccination with parental consent.
“Our vaccination drive begins in April itself. We ask parents to provide proof of their children’s vaccination. If we observe any gaps, we suggest that the child can be vaccinated at the school during the school’s vaccination drive. But the parents must give their consent.”
The programme covers students from KG through the senior grades, with the type of vaccination varying according to age and requirement. Mahajan said the school follows a schedule and provides families with the relevant dates.
“A proforma with the dates is provided, and we follow that schedule. The vaccination drive is held for students from KG all the way to senior grades. It’s just that the nature of the vaccination is different.”
“In September-October, for example, we will have the vaccination for influenza. The vaccination drive is held six times a year,” he added.
Proactive collaboration between all parties
Meanwhile, in a circular to parents, a Dubai school reiterated that maintaining a healthy environment requires “proactive collaboration between families and the school”, while stressing that allowing adequate time for recovery helps protect both the individual child and the wider school community.
The school specifically asked parents to keep children at home and under observation if they develop a cough, “a fever above 37.5°C, a sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea, a runny or blocked nose, body aches, abdominal pain, conjunctivitis or a rash.” Parents were also advised to consult their paediatrician if necessary.
The health guidance being shared with families also stresses that while illness cannot always be prevented, giving children adequate time to recover can help protect both the individual child and the wider school community.
Importantly, the school has set out clear return-to-school guidance. “Children should be fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning to class. “Those who have experienced vomiting or diarrhoea should only return 48 hours after their symptoms have subsided.”
Source: Khaleej Times