At Lenthall Infant & Nursery School, we understand that there will be occasions when children are unable to attend school due to illness or exceptional circumstances. When this happens, it is important that parents and carers notify the school as early as possible so that we can ensure children are safe and provide any necessary support.

Prompt communication helps us maintain accurate attendance records and enables us to fulfil our safeguarding responsibilities.

How to Report an Absence

Please provide:

• Your child's name
• Class name
• Reason for absence
• Expected return date (if known)

If your child remains absent for more than one day, please continue to keep school informed.

What Happens If We Don't Hear From You?

The safety and wellbeing of our children is our highest priority.

If we have not received notification of your child's absence, we will:

1. Attempt to contact parents/carers.
2. Follow our safeguarding and attendance procedures.
3. Carry out further welfare checks where necessary.

These procedures help us ensure that all children are safe and accounted for.

Is My Child Too Ill for School?

We understand that it can sometimes be difficult to decide whether a child is well enough to attend school.

In most cases, children with minor illnesses such as coughs, colds or mild ailments can continue to attend school. However, children should remain at home if they have symptoms which may affect their wellbeing or pose a risk of infection to others.

We recommend that families refer to NHS guidance:

NHS Guidance

Is my child too ill for school?

Where possible, medical and dental appointments should be arranged outside of school hours.

If an appointment must take place during the school day:

✅ Notify the school office in advance

✅ Provide evidence of the appointment where requested

✅ Ensure your child attends school before or after the appointment whenever possible

The Department for Education states that family holidays should not normally be taken during term time.

Requests for leave of absence should be made in advance using the school's Leave of Absence Request Form.

The Headteacher may only authorise leave in exceptional circumstances and must consider each request in line with current legislation and Local Authority guidance.

Download:

📄 Leave of Absence Request Form

If your child's attendance is becoming a concern, please do not struggle on your own.

We are here to help.

Early conversations allow us to:

✅ Understand any barriers

✅ Explore practical solutions

✅ Offer support and guidance

✅ Work together to improve attendance

Please contact our Attendance Champion if you would like support or advice.

Mrs Kerry Moody

Headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Attendance Champion

"We would much rather have an early conversation and offer support than allow a small concern to become a bigger worry."

📚 Every lesson matters.

❤️ Every friendship matters.

🌱 Every opportunity matters.

⭐ Every day counts.

Attendance is everyone's responsibility. Together, we can make every day count.