Illness
Below is a link to a NHS document which should help you as parents decide whether to send your child to school if you require any further information.
Please note: In cases of diarrhoea or vomiting where it is a one-off occurrence, we are happy for a child to return to school the next day, at the parent’s discretion.
Will my child’s absence be authorised or unauthorised?
We understand that there are sometimes unavoidable reasons why a child may need to miss school. Our aim is always to work in partnership with families to support good attendance and ensure every child can benefit from their education.
An absence may be recorded as unauthorised when:
- We do not receive an explanation for the absence.
- The reason provided does not meet the criteria for an authorised absence under government attendance guidance.
If a child has repeated unauthorised absences, the local authority may consider legal action, which can include a penalty notice or prosecution.
Decisions regarding the authorisation of absence are made in line with DfE Working Together to Improve School Attendance guidance and individual circumstances are always considered.
In line with updated guidance we will be making required changes relating to the authorisation of absence.
As a result, the reasons for absence below will not be routinely authorised – this is not an exhaustive list.
We appreciate this will mark a change in approach. We can offer reassurance that students will be supported in school if they are not feeling 100% and we will work with parents and carers.
This change will help support students and families to maximise school attendance.
The following reasons for absence will not routinely be accepted without additional supporting evidence:
- Term Time holidays
- No communication from parents
- Tiredness from trips / activities
- No medical evidence for GP, dentist etc. appointment
- Injuries that can be supported in school
- Coughs and colds
- Headaches
- Feeling sick
- Hay fever
- Sore throats
- Refusal to attend
- Migraines unless diagnosed by GP
- Period Pains* - contact the school at the earliest opportunity if it is preventing your child from attending school.
- Cold Sores
- Conjunctivitis
- External sporting / music activities without evidence
- Mental Health (We recognise that emotional wellbeing can affect attendance. Where anxiety, emotional distress or mental health concerns are impacting attendance, we encourage families to contact us as early as possible so support can be put in place)
- Friendship issues and upset about previous incidents
- Family emergency without explanation
- Only 1 day allowed for religious observance
- Sun Burn
- Head Lice and nits