What is health protection?

Health protection focuses on preventing the spread of diseases and protecting people from external and environmental hazards. By understanding and using simple health protection practices, schools can help prevent sickness, keep students and staff healthy, and create a safer place to learn.
On this page, you’ll find practical resources to put these health protection practices into action. Learn about managing infectious diseases, understand vaccination schedules to keep everyone protected, and discover the basics of emergency planning to ensure your school is prepared for any situation.
Be sure to check out the quick links to essential documents below – they’re designed to make it easy to support a healthier, safer school environment.

Mild illnesses and school attendance

The Chief Medical Officer and leading health professionals have written to schools to provide a clinical and public health perspective on mild illnesses and school attendance. They have shared useful information for schools to pass onto parents including when is it appropriate for parents and carers to send their children to school with a mild illness.

Letter to school leaders on mild illness and school attendance

Latest News

Keep up to date on the latest health protection news and guidance.

A parent’s guide to keeping kids healthy this school year – UK Health Security Agency