Absence, Illness & Medications

Absence & Illness

Absences

If your child is absent, a phone call should be made to the school before 9.30am on each day of absence.

In addition, a dated note of explanation should be sent to the class teacher on the child’s return. Absence notes are retained as they form part of the record of attendance.

Parents requesting absence for a child to visit the doctor, dentist etc. during school time, should send a note at least one day in advance to the teacher. Under no circumstances should a parent attempt to remove a child from the school premises without prior notification.

In the event of parents wishing to withdraw children for planned absences, other than medical, a Leave of Absence form (on Letters and Forms page) should be submitted to the Headteacher.

Term-time holidays are not authorised.

Term-Time Absence

Term-time absences are only authorised in exceptional circumstances, such as a family wedding or to visit a sick relative, in which case an appropriate amount of time will be authorised. Absence to attend funerals of relatives or close family friends can also be authorised on an individual basis. Parents wishing to request term-time absence are required to submit a Leave of Absence form to the headteacher, explaining the exceptional nature of the request.

Please note that absence for holidays is not authorised.

Medical Information

It is essential for us to know any relevant medical facts about your child. The class teacher should be notified, for example, if your child:

• has suffered any serious accident
• has any allergies to foods, sticking plasters, bee stings, etc.
• suffers from diabetes or epilepsy
• has a sight or hearing impairment
• is found to have head lice
• has sustained an injury to the head within 24 hours of coming to school.

Children with medical conditions will have an individual health care plan (IHP). The school will not give medication (prescription or non-prescription) to a child without a parent’s written consent / IHP except in exceptional circumstances.

In the case of non-prescription medication, this school asks parents where possible, to administer this outside school hours. If this is not possible, medication can be administered, providing written information and consent has been received from the parent.
Children who need access to inhalers should have these permanently in school.

Children should not be sent to school if they are unwell. In the event of children becoming ill whilst at school, parents will be contacted. It is important that the school has access to current home and work telephone numbers, and that any changes are notified immediately. The name and telephone number of a friend or relative, who can be contacted in case of emergency, is also required. Parents of any child with a condition requiring regular medication at school, will be asked to complete a health care plan.