Medical evidence of 3 day school absence

[starpatch]

Schools in my area require some kind of evidence from doctors for an absence of 3 days or more (appt. card with do) AIBU in thinking this a waste of GPs time? I don't always consult a doctor when my DS is ill- if I know what's wrong and he doesn't need treatment I wouldn't bother a GP. Feeling sensitive about this as school have just sent me an absence letter for a one day absence- I left a message on the answermachine as directed by the school but it wasn't noted down apparently. If he is sick I'm tempted to just get a GPs appt. but then cancel it that way at least I would only be wasting the (very busy) receptionists time.

I can see why they are doing it but, it seems a bit draconian. They're trying to weed out the people who expect a free education, yet take unauthorised absence.

ALl I do about this is say, clearly, when I ring them in sick "If you require medical evidence for absence, please feel free to contact his GP"

I don't take him to the GP unless he needs to go, but hey, that's their problem.

I don't think people realise how much pressure schools are under to get attendance above/around 96%. Ofsted, governors, County, school improvement partners etc will challenge every school on their attendance and schools can fail due to attendance. Failing schools = forced academisation, families leaving the school, loss of funding, intensified scrutiny etc.

We're damned of we don't do anything and damned from others if we do.

So the answer is to put more pressure on the NHS which you may have noticed is also pretty stretched?

Why can't schools start trusting parents again

I expect they would trust parents if it wasn't for the number that say "oh yes, they had D&V" and they come back looking suspiciously tanned and talking about their holiday.
Blame those parents.

School is being ridiculous. My DS had a funny tummy and threw up a few times on a Tuesday he was fine Wednesday and Thursday but have to keep him off 48 hours after he last threw up so he was at home. Why on earth would I waste a GP appointment for that?

I had a really long thread on this last month, DD needed a blood test and school wanted me to screenshot the blood form and email it to them. I told them no

That's ridiculous GPS say don't go to doctors with things like winter vomiting bug as it just spreads them more but you'd expect to be of at least 3 days as one being sick and 48 hours exclusion.

Providing a note for this is not an NHS service do doctors have a right to charge for it or refuse to do it.
They are likely to do one or another of these otherwise they would be asked constantly for notes.

They cant force a sick note. Legally you have 7 calendar days to 'self certify '. I did discuss this with my Dr in passing and his comment was to tell them to take a running jump.

As a private sick certificate would cost 30 or 40 quid, you may give your permission for the school to obtain one, and pay for it. I have found that tends to void any conversation about sick leave.

As a private sick certificate would cost 30 or 40 quid, you may give your permission for the school to obtain one, and pay for it. I have found that tends to void any conversation about sick leave

Yes, that's another good option.