School Attendance

It is vital that we start the year understanding the importance of attendance at school, while managing our COVID Safety.  Every school day, all students should be either:

·  at school

·  at home because they are currently unwell

·  at home due to self-isolation requirements

·  at home because they have a medical certificate which states that they are unable to return to school due to an ongoing medical condition (or in limited cases where a family member has an ongoing medical condition)

Parents and carers are reminded that students must not come to school if they are unwell. Even with very mild symptoms.

If a student develops flu-like symptoms while at school, they will be sent home and should not return to school until they have received a negative COVID-19 test result which is received and sighted by the school, as mandated by the Department of Education. Students will be marked as ‘Sick’ during this period.

If parents or carers believe that their child has a condition which means it’s not safe for them to return to school, they will need to provide a medical certificate. These are likely to be children that are at higher risk of severe illness if they contracted COVID-19.

Please note, students who are residing with a family member who is identified as being at higher risk should attend school unless a medical practitioner advises otherwise. The parent or carer should provide written confirmation to their Deputy Principal from the treating health professional that the student is unable to attend school and for what period of time.

If students are away from school because they are unwell, there is no expectation that they complete school work. It is important that unwell students rest.

If students cannot attend school due to a long-term illness or underlying health condition, NHS must be notified and we will continue to be responsible for providing work for students for the period they are prevented from being at school, in partnership with parents and carers and the Learning and Support Team.

Your cooperation in prioritising school attendance and continuity of learning through this pandemic is greatly appreciated.

NHS considers school attendance should be above 90% to be satisfactory.