Public Health Scotland has today (27 August 2026) published an update to Scotland's national guidance on health protection for children and young people settings.
The guidance has been separated - one for schools and one for early years childcare - providing dedicated guidance for each sector. The updated guidance provides practical advice for settings to help prevent, identify and respond to infectious diseases and outbreaks.
It has been developed in partnership with health protection professionals, professional associations and unions, Scottish Government officials and practitioners working directly in schools, childcare and childminding settings. It covers everyday infection prevention measures, outbreak management, exclusion periods for infectious diseases, environmental hygiene and health protection responsibilities – whilst reflecting on lessons learned from COVID-19.
Good health protection practice helps to:
- reduce transmission of infectious diseases in settings.
- minimise disruption to education and childcare.
- support attendance and wellbeing.
- protect children, staff, families and wider communities.
- improve preparedness for outbreaks and future public health incidents.
IMPORTANT!
This guidance does not have any statutory or regulatory implication – it is good practice guidance. Decisions on how to implement and take forward the recommendations are the responsibility of the individual setting.
Accessing the Updated Guidance
Login to the Membership Dashboard and go to ‘Resources’ to access the updated '
Health Protection for Early Years Childcare Settings’ guidance.
For any feedback on this guidance, please email Public Health Scotland directly on
phs.guidance@phs.scot.