THE return to school for the autumn term is often marked with the odd upset tummy or sickness bug as children adjust to being back in the company of others at school.

However, these outbreaks' and the spread of such illnesses could be better avoided if parents and school staff only had a bit of common sense.

Far too often one hears of children who are sent to school when clearly they are unwell or still recovering from bugs.

Worse, I think, is the latest tale from my six-year-old grandchild who told me of a child who felt unwell in her class last week.

The child who was feeling sick complained to his teacher, who instead of removing him from the class promptly passed him a bowl and told him to use it should he think he may be sick.

The child was then left unsupervised amongst his class mates and inevitably was sick, not in the bowl but on the carpet where the other children sat.

Even after the mess was cleared up, the boy remained among his classmates and the class was still expected to sit on the carpet.

One must firstly feel sorry for the child, and secondly for the other children in that class.

Is it any wonder that these bugs spread when hygiene is ignored so blatantly?

Whatever happened to the sick room' which was still in existence when my children were at school?

Surely when a child feels unwell they should be removed from the classroom, their parents called and the child sent home?

Perhaps it is time the staff at schools are given a lesson in common sense.

CONCERNED GRANDMOTHER, Address supplied.