Dear Parents/Carer,
We are seeing an increase in the number of parents arriving at reception wanting to collect their child because they are unwell, but the school has no knowledge that there is an issue or problem. It would appear that a minority of students are using their own mobile phones to contact home rather than following the school procedures when they feel unwell. This is difficult to manage and often leads to parents needlessly waiting for a long time.
If your child feels unwell in school they should go to the Medical Room. The member of staff in there will then make an assessment. If the illness can be managed with advice, then student will be returned to lesson. If not, a parent/carer will be contacted by the school. Wherever possible, we will try to keep the student in school to reduce the impact on their learning, particularly when a student’s attendance is a concern. However, we will always contact home if the student is too ill to remain in school.
If you are concerned about your child being unwell during the school day, please call the school before you come in. The matter can then be discussed with a member of the healthcare team, and if necessary, the student can be collected from lesson.
Please can I also remind all parents about the school policy on mobile phones. Mobile phones are a huge challenge in schools. They can be disruptive to learning and their inappropriate use lead to a whole host of safeguarding issues. We advise students not to bring a phone into school, but if they do, it should be off or away at all times in the school building. If a student is seen using a mobile it will be confiscated and kept securely in the Main Office. If it is the first confiscation, the student can collect the phone at the end of the school day. For those who have repeated confiscations, the named parent/carer will need to collect it.
Many thanks in advance for your support with this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Mr M Halls
Deputy Headteacher
