When and how to report notifiable diseases
Early years settings and schools play a vital role in identifying and managing public health concerns. You must report notifiable diseases and suspected outbreaks to the UKHSA North London Health Protection Team (HPT) promptly to ensure appropriate action and advice.
When to report or seek advice
You are required to contact the UKHSA if you observe any of the following:
- Increased absences: A rapid increase or higher-than-usual staff or pupil absences due to the same infection
- Severe illness: Evidence of severe disease, such as hospital admissions, or clusters of vulnerable cases
- Notifiable diseases: Suspected cases of notifiable diseases (e.g., measles, scarlet fever, chicken pox etc.)
How to contact the UKHSA
Urgent Reporting: For outbreaks or urgent advice, call the North London Health Protection Team on 0300 30 30 450 (available 24/7).
Written Reporting: Email london.region@ukhsa.gov.uk.
Routine Updates: For non-urgent logging of cases, please use the GOV.UK Report a Notifiable Disease service.
Information required
To assist the Health Protection Team in their assessment, please have the following details ready before you contact them:
- The number of symptomatic individuals
- Affected classes, year groups, or specific areas of the setting
- Details of any hospitalisations
- Relevant context regarding vulnerable individuals or recent exposure history
Further guidance
For comprehensive operational procedures and outbreak management, please refer to the official Health Protection in Schools and Other Childcare Facilities guide.