More about school absence - what is lawful?

108 replies

Interpink · 10/12/2025 23:19

I’ve had my arse handed to me over the attendance of my children as according to school records it’s nearing 80%. They have said that without GP letters they won’t authorise any further absences. Both of my children have had minor surgery and then follow up appointments and as the hospital that they’re under are nowhere near school, if the appointment is in the middle of the day they’re missing a whole day, which whilst not ideal is unavoidable.

The tone of the emails has been awful, and I’ve replied saying I’m committed to their attendance and education. But frankly I’m losing patience - why does it even matter how they choose to record it? I’d much rather they were in school but I also won’t send them if they’re genuinely unwell, or drop them in for one hour and then have to go back and pick up again to get to an orthodontist appointment 30 miles away etc.

AIBU?

OP posts:

ReadingTeaLeaves · 11/12/2025 00:00

I would also highly recommend being proactive in asking for materials to ensure your child isn’t at risk of falling behind (if this is regular). And ensuring that this work really is done.

ReadingTeaLeaves · 10/12/2025 23:57

Totally sympathise with the situation here btw. I have had a child miss 1.5 days of school in past two weeks where literally all we have done during school time is travel by car and sit in waiting rooms. The medical stuff ended up happening out of school hours pretty much! Teachers/Heads do understand this but they need to report and record data that can be audited by a third party (and to be fair not all parents are as diligent as you and the process has to account for that).

Original poster

Interpink · 10/12/2025 23:57

That’s a good point. The emails are coming from an “admin” email address but are signed “Mrs. Jones” or “Miss Smith” but the teacher’s own email addresses are not in the distribution. (And Mrs. Jones would never just sign off as “Mrs Jones” because she’s not an ignoramus and has signed everything previously “Jane Jones, Head of Year”)

I think this might be an overzealous attendance clerk. But in any case, they can’t ask for a bloody GP letter for all future absences can they?

OP posts:

SoldTheMovieRights · 10/12/2025 23:56

verycloakanddaggers · 10/12/2025 23:35

It would be helpful to do this when you can: drop them in for one hour and then have to go back and pick up again to get to an orthodontist appointment 30 miles away etc.

This. It doesn't sound like many of the absences actually are unavoidable, just that it's more convenient to keep them off. I'm not surprised the school don't think it's reasonable to have a whole day off too see an orthodontist!

SillyCecilia · 10/12/2025 23:55

Ignore them. Not sure what they can really do. Ds had low attendance around 80% and it don’t affect his education at all.

ReadingTeaLeaves · 10/12/2025 23:51

Can you ask to speak to one of the leadership team about the situation - a head of year as a minimum? In my experience (ex governor) they have to be very careful about data as it can impact ofsted ratings. However, where they have very clear and documented reasons it can be (not in all cases and this is a caveated comment) referenced when ofsted come calling which may help them justify their data being not where it should be. If you can outline in a documented way the issue that might help them and you. Comms will otherwise often be very generic.

edited a typo

Original poster

Interpink · 10/12/2025 23:47

If I could, I would. Maybe it’s the tone of the communications, such as suggesting that appointments are made outside school hours. No shit! Sometimes it can’t be helped!

OP posts:

verycloakanddaggers · 10/12/2025 23:35

It would be helpful to do this when you can: drop them in for one hour and then have to go back and pick up again to get to an orthodontist appointment 30 miles away etc.

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