In light of the norovirus outbreak, parents are reminded that if students have a stomach bug which includes vomiting and diarrhoea, they should be kept home for the duration of the illness, and for 2 days after the symptoms stop.

Detailed information on the norovirus (also known as the "winter vomiting bug") can be found on the NHS website.

Reporting Your Child as Absent

You are required to inform the school that your child will be absent before 9am on the first day of absence, and any subsequent days thereafter. You must provide a reason for the absence, however, we may require a medical certificate to justify frequent or extensive absences.

If we are not informed of your child's absence, we will contact you in order to ensure their safety and confirm their reason for being absent.

If we do not receive an explanation your child's absence, or if the explanation is unsatisfactory, we may not authorise the absence and will mark this on your child’s attendance report. This is to ensure that sickness absence is not misused, and to promote attendance levels for all students.

Returning Your Child to School

If your child has been absent from school due to a sickness bug, we ask that they are kept home from school until 48 hours has passed since they last vomited or had an episode of diarrhoea.

If your child has been absent from school due to any other sickness, or due to injury, we ask parents to use their own discretion as to when their child should be returned to school. If you are unsure, please use the NHS guidance on this matter.

Please remember that your child will require written confirmation for the length and reason of their absence. This letter should be addressed to their form tutor.