How can I help my child?

• Let your child know that you think school is important.
• Make sure your child goes to school regularly and on time.
• Take an interest in your child's school work.
• Provide regular times and a quiet, clean area for doing home learning.
• Set a regular bedtime schedule. Age should not be a factor.
• Provide your child with plenty of time to get ready for school.
• If your child starts to miss school, speak to the school and let your child know they must attend.
• Have regular communication with the school.
• If your child is ill, contact the school and explain the reason for the absence.
• Don't expect your older children to stay home and act as babysitters for younger children.
• Set good examples and enforce rules.
• Include regular exercise and a balanced diet in your child's daily activities.
• Post the school calendar and notes on the refrigerator, or another prominent location.
• Balance time with extracurricular activities.
• Keep open communication lines with your child.

Illness

Occasionally students are too unwell to attend school. We will monitor and engage with parents as soon as a pattern of absence becomes apparent. When deciding whether or not your child is too ill to attend school. Ask yourself:

• Is your child well enough to carry out the activities of the school day? If not, keep your child at home and consult your GP as appropriate
• Does your child have a contagious condition that could be passed on to other children or 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

Common conditions

Most illnesses can be classified as one of a few minor health conditions.

Whether or not you send your child to school will depend on how severe you judge the illness to be. This guidance can help you to make that judgement. If you’re concerned about your child’s health, consult a health professional.

Cough and cold

A child with a minor cough or cold may attend school. If the cold is accompanied by raised temperature, shivers or drowsiness, the child should stay off school, visit the GP and return to school 24 hours after they’re feeling better. If your child has a more severe and long-lasting cough, consult your GP, who can provide 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’re feeling 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 seek medical advice.