Back to School Health: Keeping Children Well as the Term Progresses

Now that children have settled back into school, parents and caregivers are adjusting to new routines, homework schedules, and busy mornings. As the term progresses, it is important to remember that a child’s health remains a strong foundation for learning, concentration, and overall wellbeing.

The school environment encourages close interaction among pupils and shared use of facilities, which increases exposure to common illnesses. Preventive care therefore becomes essential.

Where possible, parents should consider routine health checks, including vision and hearing assessments, dental reviews, and confirmation that immunisations are up to date. Identifying concerns early helps prevent minor issues from affecting a child’s confidence or academic performance.

Nutrition continues to play an important role throughout the school term. Children need balanced meals that support sustained energy and focus from the classroom to extracurricular activities.

A nutritious breakfast improves concentration, while packed lunches that include fruits, whole grains, proteins, and adequate water help children remain alert and reduce dependence on sugary snacks.

Sleep is another critical pillar of good health. Once school routines are established, many children experience fatigue as academic and social demands increase. Maintaining consistent bedtimes and limiting screen time in the evenings allows children to get enough rest to stay healthy, attentive, and emotionally balanced.

Emotional and mental wellbeing should also be monitored closely. Adjusting to school demands, academic pressure, or social changes can be challenging for some children. Regular conversations, reassurance, and attentiveness to changes in mood, appetite, or sleep patterns can help parents identify stress early and seek appropriate support.

At Jubilee Health Insurance, we see how quickly childhood illnesses can escalate when care is delayed or unplanned, particularly during the school term. This highlights the importance of thoughtful health planning for children. Child focused health solutions such as J-Care Junior health cover, which is tailored for children aged zero to eighteen years, are designed to support preventive care, early diagnosis, and continuity of treatment, allowing families to focus on recovery and wellbeing.

Good hygiene habits remain among the simplest and most effective ways to keep children healthy. Regular handwashing, proper cough etiquette, and keeping children at home when they are unwell help protect both individual learners and the wider school community.

As the term continues, prioritising children’s health through healthy routines, emotional support, and informed health planning helps ensure they remain healthy, confident, and ready to thrive at school.

By Shaban Salehe, Chief Operating Officer