Absence Reporting

In all cases where your child is unwell and unable to come to school, please notify the school using the School Gateway app before 8.50 am every day your child is absent.  This will mean their absence is accounted for and the reason for absence you provide on the app will automatically link to their attendance record.

If you need to leave a message on the school answer machine, please ensure you provide the following information in your message:

• Your child’s name
• His/her class
• Reason for absence
• Your relationship with the child

 School Telephone Number: 0121 464 4648

If your child is unwell with a more serious infection and the absence lasts more than 3 days, or if the illness continues after the expected return to school date, the school will expect an update.   The office staff will chase parents who have not provided reasons for absence.  If we do not receive an explanation, or if the explanation is unsatisfactory, we will not authorise the absence.

If your child develops symptoms of an illness at school, and we feel they are too unwell to stay, we will, of course, contact you.  Please ensure that the contact details we have for parents/carers are up-to-date and available to answer their telephone during school hours.  Forms to update details are available from the school website (Contact Numbers – Pupil) or in the school foyer.

Illness

This information is from the NHS Choices website - 'Is my child too ill for school?'. Please visit the NHS site for more information.  Remember: if you're concerned about your child’s health, consult a health professional.

Please note: if you feel your child is well enough to be in school, they will be expected to participate in all curriculum activities, including PE and swimming.

• Vomiting or Diarrhoea. A child who has any episodes of vomiting or diarrhoea should not be in school.  You must allow two clear days after the last episode, before sending them back to school to prevent the infection from spreading unnecessarily to other students or staff members in the school.  If we feel your child has returned to school too early, we will contact you. NHS Diarrhoea & Vomiting
• Cough and cold. A child with a minor cough or cold may attend school. If the cold is accompanied by a raised temperature, shivers or drowsiness, the child should stay off school, visit the GP and return to school 24 hours after they start to feel better. If your child has a more severe and long-lasting cough, consult your GP. They can give guidance on whether your child should stay off school. Get more information in Common cold.
• Raised temperature. If your child has a raised temperature, they shouldn't attend school. They can return 24 hours after they start to feel better. Learn more in Feverish illness in children.

• Rash. Skin rashes can be the first sign of many infectious illnesses, such as chickenpox and measles. Children with these conditions shouldn't attend school. If your child has a rash, check with your GP or practice nurse before sending them to school. Watch this slideshow of childhood illnesses to help you recognise your child's rash.

• Headache. A child with a minor headache doesn't usually need to be kept off school. If the headache is more severe or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as raised temperature or drowsiness, then keep the child off school and consult your GP. Read more about what to do about headaches in children.

• Sore throat. A sore throat alone doesn't have to keep a child from school. But if it's accompanied by a raised temperature, your child should stay at home. Read more about sore throat.
• Chickenpox. If your child has chickenpox, keep them off school until all their spots have crusted over. Read more about chickenpox.

Should I keep my child off school?