How can I resolve this issue with the HT?

[Cambridgeparents]

DD is 7. For various reasons since starting school her attendance has been below the expected standard.
We have always provided appointment letters etc or if she’s been generally unwell we have let the school know. They then started saying they needed proof ie to see an appointment card or prescription (but this was hard if it was just for example a sore throat and high fever as we wouldn’t go to the gp for that but then we had to so that she could be certified ‘too Ill’ by a third party who was professional).

Things didn’t improve and the HT said I needed to sign a contract to get attendance level to 97% or they’d have to refer for fines ??!! I said no I wouldn’t be signing anything and I’d checked the LA guidance and fines for genuine illness are not possible .

Now the HT will not speak to me ! She literally turns away if sees me, at events when she is greeting the parents in to a concert or meeting etc if she sees me she turns away or walks away to avoid having to speak to me. It’s really noticeable and it’s really unprofessional??!! It’s continuing this new school year as well. Do I just accept that she is that annoyed at me! It’s even been commented on by a couple of mums in friendly with at concerts as they had noticed and then we went to one before the summer holidays and I said ‘look as we walk up she’s greeting each parent as soon as she sees me she will walk off then resume once I’m in the hall’ and that’s exactly what happened.

Im worried it will start to affect other things (eg wraparound care as the places are hard to get and I’m a single parent so rely on them for when I’m at work) There’s just such an atmosphere since I stuck up for myself ?

Best way to resolve it is just to contact her (can you email?). This sounds a bit “playgroundy” on the surface so you’ll just have to stay factual and calm, tell her you’re worried about the atmosphere and that you hope you can move past it? Ask her if it’s been adequately resolved, and if not, how you might ensure it is. Not sure what else you can do really.

Yes it’s just really really noticeable, and I feel extremely uncomfortable! To the point I’ve been considering if I should change schools. The first few times I sort of didn’t really register and then other people started noticing and I think that made me more aware that definitely there’s a difference in how I’m treated in comparison to the other parents !

Many heads are power mad. I'd put money on the reason she ignores you is because you stood up to her and proved her wrong in something and she can't handle it.

I bet the school newsletters are full of preachy lectures too.

They are doing what they are required to do and our schools do the same. ultimately the school decides what to code the absence and if they do or do not accept the absence as sickness or other. You may wish to ask the doctor for a letter laying out any ongoing underlying issues. Schools may do home visits and it may be worth letting them know you are open to this to clarify the child is home. No idea why the HT is avoiding you but I would deal with the attendance officer instead.

https://www.gov.uk/school-attendance-absence/legal-action-to-enforce-school-attendance

I would address it with her and make it clear that others have noticed too.

You could also try directly approaching her in front of other people. So if she turns away from you, loudly say hello to her by name then repeat if she ignores.

Eventually she will either be embarrassed and stop being a dick or you'll have more ammo to complain about her,

I agree with email.

Keep it factual and non emotional.

Dear HT,

On X date you expressed concern re my ds attendance. I explained the reasons.

I explained that GPs could and wouldn't provide evidence of a fever etc when off for normal childhood illnesses.

I disagreed with signing an agreement to get her attendance up because you gave me incorrect information about being able to fine.

I'm concerned that since then you've refused any engagement with me when in public. You greet other parents and walk away when I arrive. You turn away and walk off if you see me.

This hasn't gone unnoticed with other parents who have asked why you are doing it.

So could you please respond to inform me of the reason so I can understand and arrange a meeting so we can move forward from here as we both have DDs education at our best interests and I'm concerned about the risks of non communication between us.

Many thanks

Xxxxxx

If you get no response forward this to governors and say you've had no response. Allow 10 working days first.

If it's any consolation she sounds like an immature idiot - and I work in education!