Attendance information for parents
The lessons your child learns at school go far beyond academics. The friendships they build, the challenges they work through, and the everyday experiences they have teach them skills for life.
We know it isn't always easy getting your child to school. But encouraging them to go – even during difficult moments – builds their resilience.
School is where they develop social skills, build confidence, and learn that working through challenges can be rewarding. When children attend regularly, they're more likely to feel connected to their school community and their peers. Missing even one day each week means a child is missing out on 20% of their education, making it harder to keep up with classwork and maintain friendships.
If your child is too unwell to attend school….
1. On the first day of absence and on each subsequent day, please phone the school on 917 9881 as soon as possible, but before 8.45am.
2. If a child is not in school for morning registration and no explanation has been received, the school will contact you by phone.
RED - STAY AT HOME
Raised temperature
Rashes: can be the first sign of many infectious illnesses such as chickenpox and measles. If your child has a rash, check with your GP before sending them to school.
Vomiting and diarrhoea: Children can return to school after 48 hours after the last bout.
AMBER - TAKE ADVICE
Headaches: A child with a minor headache does not usually need to be kept off school. If the headache is more severe or is accompanied by other symptoms such as a raised temperature or drowsiness, then keep your child at home and consult your GP
GREEN - COME TO SCHOOL*
Mild cough
Mild cold, Sore throat (unless accompanied by a raised temperature)
Feeling tired
*We will contact you if your child deteriorates during the school day.
If you need help with attendance
If you need any help or support with your child’s attendance, the first step is to talk to your child’s teacher, or to Mrs Taylor. We want to work in partnership with you.
As well as schools, there are a lot of services who work with children and families and who can provide information, advice, and support.
Understanding your responsibilities
The law requires that all children of compulsory school age receive full-time education. Where a child is enrolled at a school, parents and carers are responsible for making sure that their child attends school regularly.
As a parent or carer, you play the most important role in your child's education and in supporting their attendance.
From starting nursery, parents should teach their children the importance of going to school on time every day. Where there are difficulties, parents should speak to the child's school at the earliest opportunity.
Illness related absences
Illness is the biggest single reason for school absence. While some absences due to illness are unavoidable, the NHS provides clear guidance on when children are well enough to attend school.
Most mild illnesses – such as a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough – do not usually require time off school, unless your child has a temperature. Children with diarrhoea or vomiting should stay away from school until they have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days (48 hours).
Where a child is too unwell to attend school, parents must let the school know before the start of the school day.
Medical appointments
Where a child has a medical appointment, parents should get agreement from the school in advance for a leave of absence. Where possible, parents should make necessary medical appointments outside of school hours.
If your child has a medical appointment during the school day and is well enough, they should go to school before the appointment and return afterwards. They can attend the appointment in their school uniform. This helps minimise time away from learning and keeps routines consistent.
Term time holidays
Parents should avoid taking term time holidays. If you wish to request a term time absence, please complete the Absence Request Form below.
Enforcement action and fines
Nottinghamshire County Council takes poor school attendance very seriously. The School can request that a penalty notice be issued if your child is missing school without authorisation.
More information, including information about fines and how to pay them, can be found on Nottinghamshire County Council website under school attendance and the law.