It can be tricky deciding whether or not to keep your child off school, nursery or playgroup when they're unwell.
There are government guidelines for schools and nurseries about managing specific infectious diseases at GOV.UK. These say when children should be kept off school and when they shouldn't.
If you do keep your child at home, it's important to phone the school or nursery on the first day. Let them know that your child won't be in and give them the reason.
If your child is well enough to go to school but has an infection that could be passed on, such as a cold sore or head lice, let their teacher know.
Absence - Notification should be received by the school office by 9.30am on the first morning of absence. Please report absence by telephoning the school office and leaving a message or by sending an email to admin2325@welearn365.com.
Please note that for children absent due to sickness and/or diarrhoea Public Health England recommend that whilst symptomatic and for 48 hours after the last symptoms it is recommended children do not return to school.
In confirmed cases of COVID a child should remain absent for 3 days and not return until their temperature has returned to normal.
Medical appointments - School must be notified in advance of taking children for medical appointments during the school day and a confirmation of appointment should be provided.
Wherever possible routine appointments should be taken outside of the school day.
The link between attendance and attainment is clear:
• In 2018/19, just 40% of persistently absent (PA) children in KS2 achieved expected KS2 standards, compared with 84% of pupils who were regular attenders.
• And 36% of PA children in KS4 got 9 to 4 in their English and maths GCSEs, also compared with 84% of regular attenders.
It’s never too late to benefit from good attendance:
• More than half (54%) of pupils who were PA in Year 10 and then rarely absent in Year 11, passed at least 5 GCSEs, compared to 36% of pupils who were persistently absent in both years.
But attendance is important for more than just attainment:
• Regular school attendance can facilitate positive peer relationships, which is a protective factor for mental health and wellbeing.
