Significant illness and GCSEs

[Barewithasorehead]

Has anyone had the situation of a significant illness occurring at this point in the GCSE cycle and how did you deal with the exam board etc?
I appreciate this year is completely different but no one seems to be able to give us clarification on how this is best dealt with and if any action should be sooner rather than later.

DC was doing well then sudden onset illness that has meant unable to attend school for a few weeks and due to ongoing effects will be unlikely to work for some weeks more if at all until summer onwards.
Seems highly unlikely will be able to catch up this term’s work and may be unable to compete any written or typed assessments for some months.

Should we inform the board now or wait until the situation is clearer both nationally and with my own DC.
Marks up until illness were very consistent if that helps.

Go straight to the school and inform them. The exams officer will have dealt with this situation before and is best placed to liaise with the relevant boards.
Honestly this happens all the time and our exam officer is an utter legend in the way she sorts it with parents and the boards.

School know.
They haven’t suggested contacted the exam boards.
Just seem to be hanging on at the moment but it’s not clear what for.

DC hasn’t been able to attend any school on line. Or do any work for a few weeks so school obviously fully aware. Plus am in regular contact with them but it all seems unclear what the outcome will be (other than likely extra time, possible scribe) unless DC somehow manages to get well enough to catch up.
I’m unsure how the fact they have and will miss so much learning time is best managed.

Special consideration is not normally applied for illness unless it happens at the time of assessment, but we don't know what exactly will be assessed. I think you need to wait for the outcome of the Ofqual consultation and we are a bit clearer on what will contribute towards grades.

Thanks that seems to align with what school think.

They will be waiting to see what they should do with kids with extenuating circumstances (which is different to special consideration) and how they are asked to deal with such candidates once the exam boards have worked out what they are doing as a result of the consultation.

As per previous posters as the school won’t know yet. I’ll also add that some teens opt to take fewer GCSEs due to illness. Is this something that could be considered? I think it’s usually reduced to a minimum of 4, which is enough to get them in to 6th form apparently.