To think that "attendence policies" and schools have become ridicolous

[ReallyTired]

DD is four years and is reception. She has had two days off this term due to a tonsilitis and a severe ear infection. Our GP has refered dd for a hearing test as she is complaining about her hearing and missed the school nurse test.

We got a telephone call today from audiology asking if we can take a short notice cancellation. (this Friday at 11.30am) I have decided to jump at the opportunity to have dd's ears tested. Audiology will post a letter but it may not arrive by Friday.

I phoned the school and told them that next Friday I would pick up dd for her hearing test at 11.10 and she would hopefully return to school by 12.30. The secretary told me that if I do not have a letter proving that dd has a medical appointment that the school will not release my daughter to me.

I have told the school that if there is any question of them refusing to let my daughter go to the appointment then I will not send her into school until the afternoon. The pompeous secretary told me that her absence will be marked as unauthorised and I will be fined. Apparently I have to produce proof that dd is having a hearing test. I replied and said that there is no legal requirement to send a four year old to school.

I feel that the school has got completely and utterly up their own arses. Surely its in a child's interest to have their hearing check asap if there is any question of deafness.

That same HT did much more than that, he had the local council representative meeting him due to concerns over the waythe school was run. The local council bloke was given several pieces of evidence of law breaking by the school. A disabled parent had to point it out and educate both.

I think I would go to the local paper about it too.

DD3 is also in reception. She had a sick bug, so was off for 2 days. Then she went back to school for a week and got a sick bug on the Saturday, so had to have the following Monday off. Then she got an ear infection, but went to school dosed on ibruprofen (so that school could give calpol as necessary - sensible school). Now she's got another ear infection and calpol/ibruprofen aren't keeping down her temperature.

I telephoned the school and they said 'don't worry, the little ones are just settling in and tend to come down with things. We aren't worried about her attendance.'

How refreshing is that??

Oh for goodness sake, TheCrackFox I do hope you're not serious.

Perhaps the OP could try and sort it out directly with the school rather than trying to be 'sad mum with sad kid' in the Daily Mail?

I like your analysis friday

When does your DD break up?
Friday is last day of term isn't it?

Don't send your DD but make sure you send a signed-for letter to the HT explaining her absence and requesting a meeting with her next term to discuss the unacceptable conduct of the secretary.

How can the school possibly refuse to release your child to you? That is utter nonsense. Ignore this power crazed secretary.

did they let your DD out today?

Also likes Friday's analysis.
Hope it all ended un dramatically for you op.

Dd got to her hearing test without any problems. The letter from audiology arrived this morning and we were able to show the school our letter.

I don't think that the problem is the secretary who was lovely under the old head. I think this policy has come from county/ the new head.

Thankfully dd passed her hearing test.

All good, glad it all worked out well.

Glad DD's ok and you were able to go without drama.