Parents told children with glandular fever and tonsillitis should not miss school

A health booklet that recommends children should not miss school even when suffering glandular fever and tonsillitis has prompted furious responses from parents.

The guide, which was distributed to families in south Wales, also suggested pupils suffering head lice, conjunctivitis and hand, foot and mouth disease should attend school regardless.

It has since been dismissed by numerous parents who have taken to social networks to complain.

WalesOnline quoted father of two Gareth Whittle from Cardiff, who said: “I thought it was a joke. I think as parents we are responsible enough to know when and for how long we should keep our children away from school.”

Another parent said: "My daughter had hand foot and mouth. She couldn’t eat for five days due to the ulcers in her mouth.

NHS Direct advice indicates that patients with glandular fever should ensure "plenty of rest for the first two or three weeks", adding: "You can return to work, college or school as soon as you feel well enough."

Similarly, official guidance for people suffering tonsillitis suggests "plenty of bed rest" as part of the treatment.

Schools in Wales are facing greater scrutiny from watchdog Estyn, which last month called on a third of secondary schools to improve attendance.

The booklet given to parents was published by the Central South Consortium, which brings together the county councils Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Bridgend and Merthyr.

A spokesperson for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council told WalesOnline the advice had been "obtained directly from the Health Protection Agency in England in conjunction with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health".

It was also approved by numerous health boards, including Public Health Wales.