Children with Covid can still be at school if their symptoms are 'mild' and they have not taken a test, according to NHS guidance.
Health service advice for parents lists the virus among an array of illnesses that should not necessarily keep pupils out of class.
Coughs and colds, sore throats, cold sores, conjunctivitis, glandular fever, threadworm and head lice also do not justify absences unless the child has a temperature and is unable to do schoolwork.
The guidelines have been thrown into focus after education minister Nick Gibb raised concerns that attendance is down because parents have become too 'cautious' following the pandemic.
He also suggested last week that increased home working meant it was easier for children to be kept out of school when they were merely 'anxious' about going in.
However, the difficulties for parents were laid bare as advices states that children with mild Covid symptoms can go to school and there is no requirement to take a test - but any confirmed cases should stay at home.
