Supporting Good Attendance and Illness-Related Absences

As the winter months approach, we know that children are more likely to pick up colds and seasonal illnesses. Here is some guidance about attendance when your child is unwell, and how we can work together to support them.

 

Why good attendance matters

Regular attendance is very important for your child’s learning, confidence, and wellbeing. Missing several days can make it harder for children to keep up with lessons and maintain the routines that help them feel secure and confident at school.

 

Attending school when your child is a little under the weather

We understand it can be tricky to decide whether your child should come to school if they are feeling slightly unwell. Here are some general guidelines that may help:

• Children with mild cold symptoms (for example, a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough) but no fever and who are otherwise well, can usually attend school. Being in class helps maintain routines and prevents them from falling behind.
• Children with fever, sickness, diarrhoea, or who are genuinely too unwell to take part in normal school activities, should remain at home until they feel well enough.
• If your child has a chronic or recurring condition, please let us know so we can make appropriate adjustments and support their attendance.

If you are unsure, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to advise and work with you.

To leave a message with our Attendance Team, please call 01623 663455 or 01623 663453, or email attendance@tscacademy.org.uk.

 

When we may request medical evidence

On occasion, we may ask for medical evidence (for example, a doctor’s note, appointment card, or prescription copy) if:

• The absence is for several consecutive days, or
• Your child has frequent illness-related absences.

This helps us fully understand any underlying health issues and ensure we are supporting your child’s attendance in the best way possible.

 

Working together

Our aim is to work with you to support your child’s attendance. By doing so, we can help them maintain routines, build confidence, and achieve their potential.

 

Ways you can help include:

• Contacting the school on the first day of absence to let us know the reason.
• Keeping us updated about any health issues affecting attendance.
• Ensuring your child attends whenever they are well enough.
• Providing any relevant medical evidence where appropriate.

 

Thank you very much for your continued support. Working together, we can ensure every child gets the most from their time at school.