Attendance: Absence: Illness in School: Medical and Dental Examinations

We wish to stress the importance of punctuality and regular attendance both for success in school and as training for life outside school. When a student has been absent from school for more than three days for medical reasons a note of explanation should be sent to the Form Tutor. For absences of up to and including 3 days a student should always bring a note on his/her return to school.

Requests to miss school for other reasons should be sent to the Head of Year via the Form Tutor at least a week in advance. Permission for school absences can only be given in exceptional circumstances and time must be allowed for consideration of the request and the return of an answer to parents. Wherever possible family holidays should be taken during school holidays.

Letters requesting non-participation in P.E./Games

We would remind parents that PE and Games are a very important part of the statutory curriculum of the School and that a note is required for each lesson when a student is unable to take part, except in the case of long term injury or illness. In some circumstances (e.g. prolonged injury/illness) a doctor's note may be required to help clarify the situation. We would also appreciate it if parents would only excuse their son/daughter when it is really necessary; students are sometimes disadvantaged when they could well have taken part. If there are any problems or difficulties please contact us so that we can discuss things.

Staff in the P.E. Department are grateful for the letters they receive from parents excusing their son/daughter from taking part in PE/Games on returning to school after illness. The staff would also be pleased to know if, under reasonable weather conditions, your son/daughter would benefit from the fresh air in watching the rest of the group or whether you would prefer that he/she stays inside - and, if so, for how long this situation is likely to continue. This information would help to keep staff "in the picture" and avoid their having to make judgements which are not in accordance with parents wishes.

Note: Some students come back to school having had the flu - not only with no coat but also, in some cases, without even a blazer/sweater!

Illness in School

Wadham has a well equipped medical room and is visited weekly by the School nurse. In her absence routine illness is dealt with by the teaching or non-teaching staff and particularly by secretaries in the School and Student Support Offices.If students feel ill or have an accident during the course of the school day they should go to the Student Support office in the central block. We are only able to deal with minor accidents and if it is thought necessary to get a sick or injured student home or to hospital parents will be contacted.

Any student taking prescribed medicines during school hours should:

(a) bring a note from parents informing the form tutor of the illness and giving permission for the medicine to be taken during school hours. The dosage should also be indicated in the note. (b) leave the medicine with the Student Support office at the start of the school day. The medicine, which should be labelled clearly with the dosage and the students name, will be kept in a safe place and the correct dosage given as required. Exceptions to these rules will be medicines which need to be taken at once in response to symptoms, e.g.. inhalers for asthma.

Please note that it is our policy not to give any medicines to students, (including aspirin or paracetamol) except as indicated above.

Medical / Dental Examinations

Visits by the School Medical Officers responsible for the School will include routine inspections (eye tests, dental checks etc.:) and parents would be notified of any specific problems which are raised.

Where further medical examinations are given parents are notified in advance and are invited to attend should they wish to do so.

Private appointments with doctors and dentists should, wherever possible, take place out of school hours.

'In School Nurse / GP - A "Drop-in" Advice Centre for Students

Increasing evidence shows that many teenagers are failing to seek medical advice when they need it - particularly over more sensitive issues. Although parents would want their sons and daughters to talk to them and to visit their GP where necessary, it appears that many young people are choosing NOT to seek advice. It is thought that a combination of self-consciousness and the question of confidentiality coupled with the absence of a 'no appointment Drop-in-Centre in Crewkerne or Ilminster is discouraging teenagers from seeking help. At Wadham we have discussed this issue with the Crewkerne Health Centre practice who provide both GP and School Nurse 'Drop-in-Centres' on a weekly basis. In addition to Anne White (School Nurse) being available on Thursday lunch times a local GP is available on Monday lunch times on a regular basis. Both male and female doctors from the Crewkerne practice are available on a rota basis from 1.05pm to 2.00 pm in the Medical Room on Mondays.

It is unlikely that students will wish to refer routine 'low-level' matters to a doctor but are more likely to wish to talk about concerns over more sensitive issues such as drugs, worries over sexual health, pregnancy, contraception etc. Although, the discussions will be confidential between the student and the doctor, the GPs will encourage the youngsters to talk to their parents about the consultation. Unless child abuse or 'risk to a third person' is involved any discussion will remain confidential and will simply to 'logged' by the doctor.

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Act of Worship
Absence
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Pastoral Care
Raising Achievement
School Closure
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Advice to Parents About Holidays in Term Time

Attendance Telephone Number is:

01460 270139