Reporting Your Child’s Absence

We recognise that deciding whether a child is well enough to attend school is not always straightforward.

Most minor illnesses will not require children to stay at home, and many conditions can be managed safely alongside school attendance. If you are ever unsure, we encourage you to use national health guidance and seek advice from a medical professional if needed.

Is my child too ill for school?

Guidance is available to help parents and carers make informed decisions about common illnesses such as coughs, colds, sore throats, headaches, and mild temperature. It also outlines recommended recovery periods for conditions such as vomiting, diarrhoea, chickenpox, and other infectious illnesses.

Some key principles include:

Minor illness

Children may attend school with mild symptoms such as a cough, cold or headache if they are otherwise well.

Infectious illness

Children should stay at home until they are no longer contagious, particularly following vomiting, diarrhoea, or fever.

Medical advice

If symptoms are severe, persistent or you are unsure, seek advice from a GP or health professional.

If you would like more detailed guidance, further information is available from NHS advice on childhood illness and school attendance.

View NHS guidance on whether your child is too ill for school

If your child is well enough to attend school, they will be expected to take part in all curriculum activities, including PE and swimming. If they become unwell during the school day, we will contact you.

Reporting an Absence

Please report all absences by 9:00am on the first day of absence.

Report absence using the online form

Alternatively, you can contact the school office:

Email: admin@franciscan.wandsworth.sch.uk
Telephone: 020 8672 3048