Back to school: children's health concerns parents ask about most

Recurrent colds and infections

For many families, September marks the beginning of cold season. Children mixing in classrooms after a summer of fresh air and more space will inevitably share infections, and for most children, five to eight colds per year is entirely within the normal range.

However, some children do seem to catch everything and take a long time to recover. If your child is having more than eight to ten infections per year, if infections frequently lead to complications such as chest infections or sinusitis, if they are taking antibiotics repeatedly, or if they seem unwell between infections, it is worth discussing this with a clinician. In most cases there is a benign explanation, but occasionally recurring infections signal an underlying issue with the immune system that warrants further investigation.

Practical steps to reduce the spread at home include thorough handwashing before meals and after school, ensuring good sleep (which directly supports immune function), and making sure your child is up to date with their vaccinations.

School anxiety and emotional adjustment

Anxiety at the start of a new school year is extremely common in children — and in parents. For most children, the nervousness of the first few days settles into a new routine within two to three weeks. But for some, anxiety about school does not resolve on its own.

Signs that your child may need more support include persistent physical complaints — stomach aches, headaches, or nausea — that coincide specifically with school days, refusing to attend school or becoming very distressed at drop-off beyond the first week or two, significant changes in sleep or appetite, or withdrawal from friends or activities they previously enjoyed.

School anxiety in children is a recognised clinical presentation, and it responds well to early intervention. A conversation with your child's school SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) is a useful starting point. If you are concerned that anxiety is significantly affecting your child's quality of life or development, a review with a clinician experienced in children's mental health can help identify the right support pathway.

Sleep difficulties

The transition back to school almost always involves a battle with sleep — particularly after a summer of later bedtimes and more flexible mornings. For most children, re-establishing a consistent bedtime routine for one to two weeks before term begins makes the adjustment significantly easier.

School-age children (6–12 years) need 9–12 hours of sleep per night. Teenagers need 8–10 hours — and with early school start times, getting enough sleep in this age group is genuinely challenging. Sleep deprivation in children affects concentration, emotional regulation, behaviour, and immune function. If your child is consistently struggling to sleep or waking very early regardless of bedtime, or if they seem persistently tired despite adequate time in bed, this is worth discussing with a GP.

Screens are one of the most significant contributors to poor sleep in children. The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers suppresses melatonin production. A device-free period of at least 60 minutes before bed — ideally longer — can make a meaningful difference, though it is often easier said than done.

Headlice

Head lice are an almost universal part of primary school life. They are not a sign of poor hygiene — lice actually prefer clean hair — and their presence does not indicate anything concerning about your child's health. They are, however, persistent and can spread quickly through a class.

Detection combing with a fine-toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair is more reliable than visual inspection alone. If lice are found, the most effective treatments are wet combing every three to four days for a minimum of two weeks, or a medicated lotion (dimeticone-based products are recommended as lice have developed resistance to some insecticide-based treatments). It is important to treat all members of the household simultaneously and to notify the school so other parents can check their children.

Warts and verrucas

Verrucas — plantar warts on the sole of the foot — are common in school-age children, particularly those who use swimming pools or changing rooms. They are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and are contagious through direct contact with contaminated surfaces.

Most verrucas resolve on their own within two years without any treatment. Over-the-counter treatments containing salicylic acid are effective for many children. For persistent or painful verrucas that are not responding to self-treatment, a clinician can discuss further options. Children with verrucas should wear flip-flops in communal changing areas and swimming pools to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Hay fever and allergies in the classroom

Hay fever season broadly corresponds to the school summer term, but symptoms can persist into September for children sensitive to mould spores, which peak in autumn. Poorly managed hay fever can significantly affect a child's ability to concentrate in class, particularly around exam periods.

If your child's hay fever is not well controlled on antihistamines alone, it is worth reviewing their treatment. Nasal steroid sprays are highly effective and safe for regular use in children. Eye drops can address the ocular symptoms that many children find particularly distracting. There are also longer-term treatments — allergen immunotherapy — that can reduce sensitivity over time for children with severe symptoms.

When to seek specialist advice

Most back-to-school health concerns are manageable at home or with a GP. But some presentations warrant a closer look from a paediatrician — a specialist in children's health. These include concerns about your child's development or learning, suspected neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD or autism spectrum disorder, persistent or recurrent physical symptoms without a clear explanation, significant behavioural changes, or any concern about growth.

Our children's health service at AtWell provides access to experienced paediatric clinicians who take the time to understand your child's full picture — without long waits. For detailed guidance on when a specialist referral makes sense, our article on when to see a private paediatrician covers the key indicators.

A note for parents

It is easy to feel uncertain about when a health concern warrants a call to a clinician and when it is reasonable to wait and see. A good rule of thumb: if something is worrying you consistently, or if your instinct tells you something is not right, it is always worth getting it assessed. You know your child better than anyone, and that knowledge matters.

Wishing all AtWell families a smooth and healthy start to the new school year.