Sickness Absence

We understand that children do become sick and on occasion need to stay at home to recover. This is perfectly acceptable and we ask that parents call in and tell us if this is happening. We can then authorise the absence under code I. If your child is ill for more than 3 days in a row then we require medical evidence in order to authorise any further days of absence. This means that if your child is absent from school on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday you can call us each day to let us know that they are ill, but if they continue to be ill on Thursday then we will require medical evidence. Another example is if they are ill on Thursday, Friday and Monday, then medical evidence is required from Tuesday. If you do not call in or do not bring in medical evidence the absence is unauthorised and 10 or more unauthorised absences in a 3 calendar month period will lead to a fine of £50. It is always best to phone in and tell us if your child is ill.

Some parents may be asked to bring in medical evidence every time their child is ill, even it is just ½ day. You will be notified by the school in writing if this applies to you.

Medical Evidence

The Federation work very closely with all the main GP surgeries in the local area and they are very supportive of what we do. If you need to produce medical evidence in order for an absence to be authorised, we refer to one of the following:

• A copy of an appointment card on or around the date of the absence
• A copy of any prescription issued on or around the date of the absence
• Evidence of any telephone consultation that you may have had – including the name of the doctor and the date and time the consultation took place
• Written permission from you for the school to make their own enquiries.

Please note that we do not expect health professionals to produce long medical reports or any paperwork over and above what would usually be generated by an appointment (i.e. one of the above).

If you would like to talk to someone about your child’s attendance at school we have a large team of people who can help and support you. Please call in at any of the school offices and request an appointment about attendance. We will take your details and get back to you as soon as we can.