For Parents and Schools

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For Parents and Schools

Seeing your child ill is not pleasant at the best of times, so during the COVID Pandemic, we understand many parents will be worried if they develop a cough or a cold. As West Lothian enters Tier 3 from Monday 2nd November there will naturarly be concerns raised by both Teachers and Parents. 

My Child Needs to Wear a Mask in School – can I Get a Letter of Exemption?

No. Unfortunately we cannot provide such letter requests as all GP Practices need to focus on medical appointments. You can however obtain an exemption card by clicking here. 

I have Been Told to seek GP Advice first Before Sending my Child to School.  

There are multiple government and health based sites which will give you up to date advice regarding your child’s health in times of COVID. Please visit NHS Inform for more details. 

Please click Here  for advice from Prof Jason Leitch

COVID-19 Symptoms 

It is important that all of us – including those who make up the community around a school – are vigilant for the symptoms of COVID-19 and understand what actions we should take if someone develops them, either at school or at home.

The main symptoms to be aware of are:

  • New continuous cough 
  • Fever/high temperature 
  • Loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste 

If a young person or a child in your care develops any of the above symptoms, they should self-isolate and you should book them a test as soon as possible at NHSinform.scot, or by calling 0800 028 2816.

The Scottish Government recommends testing only for those with a continuous cough, fever or loss of a change in the sense of taste and smell.  The UK senior clinicians continue to kepp the symptoms for case definician under review and weill continue to use evidence to adjust these if it becomes necessary.  

Cold Like Symptoms

If, however, your child does not have symptoms of COVID-19 but has other cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, they do not need to be tested and they and you do not need to self isolate.Your child can go to school if fit to do so.  

Who to contact

If you think your child has Covid like symptoms, please Click here  to access NHS information as the first point of contact.

Note: A new, continuous cough means coughing for longer than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours. If you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual.