Regular school attendance is essential for a child’s educational success and personal development. When children attend school consistently, they benefit from a structured learning environment, participate in important classroom activities, and build essential social skills. However, we also understand that there are times when your child might be too ill to attend school, and we want to ensure that you have the guidance you need to make the best decisions for your child’s health and education.
Why Attendance Matters
- Consistent Learning: Regular attendance ensures that your child does not miss out on key lessons and the continuous building of knowledge and skills.
- Classroom Participation: Being present allows your child to engage in discussions, ask questions, and collaborate with classmates, which are critical components of the learning process.
- Social Development: School is not just about academics; it’s also where children develop social skills, make friends, and learn to navigate different social situations.
- Routine and Discipline: Attending school regularly helps children develop a routine and understand the importance of responsibility and time management.
When to Keep Your Child at Home
While we emphasise the importance of great attendance, we also recognise that children can become ill, and it’s crucial to make the right decision about when to keep them at home. The PDF provided below offers detailed guidance on various illnesses and symptoms, helping you determine whether your child should stay home or if it’s safe for them to attend school.
In circumstances where your child is too ill to attend school, it is vital to inform the school as soon as possible. Please provide the reason for the absence and any relevant details about their illness.
Reducing the Spread of Infections
To help reduce the spread of infections and sickness within the school, we encourage the following practices:
- Hand Hygiene: Teach your child the importance of washing their hands regularly with soap and water.
- Covering Coughs and Sneezes: Encourage your child to use a tissue or their elbow to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze.
- Staying Home When Sick: Adhering to the guidelines in the provided PDF will help prevent the spread of illness to other children and staff.
Your cooperation is crucial in maintaining a healthy and productive school environment. By working together, we can ensure that your child has the best possible opportunity for success while also safeguarding the health of our entire school community.