Absence and Illness

To report a student absent, please use the in-app messaging on Arbor to contact the school about absence. Please do this before 8.40 am on each day of absence. 

Alternatively, call the school on 01278 455531. Please remember to give your son or daughter's name and tutor group in your message.

If your child is unable to attend school, please report their absence to the Attendance Officer before 8.40am on every day of their absence, even if it has already been discussed with another member of staff.

Is my child too unwell for school?

When your child is unwell, it can be hard deciding whether to keep them off school.

We would recommend a common sense approach when deciding whether or not your child is too ill to attend school. You can ask yourself the following questions:

• Is your child well enough to do the activities of the school day? If not, keep your child at home.
• Does your child have a condition that could be passed on to other children or school staff? If so, keep your child at home.
• Would you take a day off work if you had this condition? If so, keep your child at home.

Remember: if you're concerned about your child’s health, consult a health professional.

Common conditions

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 the child should stay off school.

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.

Rash - 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.

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.

Vomiting and diarrhoea - Children with these conditions should be kept off school. They can return 48 hours after their symptoms disappear. Most cases of vomiting or diarrhoea get better without treatment, but if symptoms persist, consult your GP.

Sore throat - A sore throat alone doesn't have to keep a child from school. If it's accompanied by a raised temperature, the child should stay at home.

If after you have read these guidelines you are still in doubt please contact the school for guidance.