Parents' dilemma over sick kids

HALF of British parents admit sending children who are feeling unwell to school or nursery.

The main reason, given by two-thirds of respondents, was the belief youngsters would feel better later, while one in five said they had no childcare and 18 per cent blamed their decision on work commitments, according to Bupa.

Research for the private health provider found a contagious illness such as diarrhoea and vomiting was not sufficient to warrant a day off school for 17 and 13 per cent respectively.

The survey found six in ten people would keep their children at home if they had conjunctivitis even though the Health Protection Agency advises that this is not necessary.

Bupa health and wellbeing medical director Dr Annabel Bentley said: "Parents should keep children with vomiting and diarrhoea off school or nursery for 48 hours to protect other children's health.

"For conjunctivitis, which is usually viral, medical guidance is that a child can go to school or nursery."