Coronavirus: Information for parents, carers and families
Your child is unwell. Is he/she too ill for school?
This can be tricky. If your child is well enough to go to school but has an infection that could be passed on, such as a cold sore or head lice, a minor cough or cold, just let their teacher know. They should still be able to attend school, but if they have a fever, a new continuous cough or a change to their smell or taste then keep them off school and book a Coronavirus test. This video shows you the difference between cold, flu and Coronavirus.
Children over 12 are can now be vaccinated for Covid-19
12-15 year olds
The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines are safe and effective. 1 dose is being offered to children aged 12 to 15 to give them the best protection against COVID-19.
This includes children who turn 12 on the date of vaccination.
Some children are being offered 2 doses of a vaccine if either:
- they live with someone who is more likely to get infections
- they have a condition that means they're at high risk from COVID-19
16-17 year olds
16 or 17 year olds can book a 2nd dose offered appointments from 12 weeks after thier 1st dose.
Some young people may get their vaccine earlier for example if they:
- live with someone who is more likely to get infections
- have a condition thatmakes them at high risk from COVID-19
Follow this link for more information
You can book your child's vaccination online or by calling 119
It is important you answer children and young people's questions about COVID-19 in a way they can understand, without causing alarm. Please read our dedicated page on Talking to children and Young People about Coronavirus
Keeping Your Child Safe Online
It is important to have regular conversations about staying safe online and to encourage children to speak to you if they come across something worrying online.
The following resources provide guidance and support you to talk to your child about a range of online safety issues, set up home filtering in a child-friendly way and set up age-appropriate parental controls on digital devices:
- Thinkuknow by the National Crime Agency - Child Exploitation and Online Protection command (NCA-CEOP) provides resources for parents and carers and children of all ages to help keep children safe online
- Childnet has developed guidance for parents and carers to begin a conversation about online safety, as well as guidance on keeping under-fives safe online
- Parent Info is a collaboration between Parent Zone and NCA-CEOP, providing support and guidance for parents and carers related to the digital world from leading experts and organisations
- National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) has guidance for parents and carers to help keep children safe online
- UK Safer Internet Centre provides tips and advice for parents and carers to keep children safe online - you can also report any harmful content found online through the UK Safer Internet Centre
For more on the types of harm that you child may experience, please click here.
