Reporting your child's Absence from School

Wallington High School for Girls has an expectation that all students will attend school throughout the academic year, except for in exceptional circumstances.

Is my child too ill for school?

We understand that deciding whether your child is well enough to attend school can sometimes be difficult. The NHS provides clear advice to help parents make informed decisions about common illnesses. In many cases—such as mild colds, headaches, or sore throats—children can still attend school safely and benefit from maintaining their routine.

However, if your child has a contagious condition (such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or a high fever), we ask that you follow NHS  recommendations and keep them at home until they are well enough to return.

Good attendance is crucial for your child’s education, development, and wellbeing. We encourage all parents to consult the official NHS “Is my child too ill for school?” guidance when unsure, and to contact the school if you need further advice or support.

For further information, please click here - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/

Short term or Sickness Absences

If your child is unwell, resulting in them missing a school day, or has an appointment/exam, during school hours or that that results in them arriving to school late, WHSG requests that you provide confirmation of the following details to attendance@wallingtongirls.org.uk.

Please title your email “Absence and include your child’s name” and include the following information in the body of the email:

• Your child's full name, along with their form and year group
• The reason for the absence, including whether it is due to illness or a scheduled appointment
• The expected duration of the absence, including any time of collection should the absence be part way through the day.

 

Emails confirming sickness absences should be received before 8.45am on the first day of absence and every subsequent day before 8.45am if the absence continues.

Absences for appointments should be confirmed at least 48 hours before the absence so that the requests can be processed. If your child is in years 7-11, we are unable to let a student leave school without prior knowledge. If you will not be collecting your child from our reception, please give your permission for the child to leave school on their own in the email.

Sickness Bug

School policy states that:

If your child has been sick or is suffering from diarrhoea or both, they should remain at home until their symptoms have cleared. Your child should not return to school until at least 48 hours have passed since the last episode of vomiting/diarrhoea.

Parents/carers are expected to email attendance@wallingtongirls.org.uk daily during this time.