The aims of these guidelines are:

• To provide advice for headteachers which, on a day to day basis, will help to minimise the spread of infection in schools.
  
  
• To provide contact names and telephone numbers should more detailed advice be needed on communicable disease matters.
  
  
• To summarise, for the main infections, the approach to control and the rationale for recommending a child's absence from school if they have an infectious illness.
  
  
• To describe in detail, action to be taken following particular diseases which are either common or cause a high level of anxiety.
  
  
• To outline the action, which should be taken if, an increase in illness is noted in school.