18th November 2024
Dear Parent/Carer
I hope this letter finds you well and in good spirits. Towards the end of last week, we saw an increase of the number of students absent and reporting illness, mainly coughs and colds. Whilst we appreciate that there are a lot of illnesses that circulate at this point in the year, we would like to remind everyone that unless a student is extremely unwell, they should be attending school so they can continue with their learning.
If a child feels they have become progressively worse and are struggling with feeling under the weather, our Duty First Aider is always available to support and inform parents. During the school day, your child should inform their teacher if they are feeling unwell and they will oncall for First Aid assistance. The First Aider will then go to the classroom as soon as they are able, to support and advise potential next steps. The First Aider will triage each case on individual merits.
Reporting your child absent from school
All absences from school must be reported to the attendance team by 8:00am each day your child is absent. To report your child absent, telephone 0121 373 1080 and press option 1 and please leave a voicemail. Alternatively, please email enquiry@erdington.fmat.co.uk Please note reception are not able to assist with attendance queries.
Collecting your child for dental/medical appointments
Wherever possible, dental and medical appointments should be made outside of school hours. However, we understand that occasionally it is necessary to collect a child for an appointment during the school day. Should you need to do this please can we ask that you do the following:
- Email enquiry@erdington.fmat.co.uk to notify the Attendance Team of the date and time of the appointment along with the name of your child, 48 hours in advance of the appointment. Please attach a copy of the appointment letter/email.
- Please make your child aware that once they have left class, they must sign out at the Attendance Office accessed via the corridor next to Student Reception.
- If you are collecting your child, please report to Reception. The person collecting a student, must be a named contact on the school’s database unless alternative arrangements have been communicated to and agreed by your child’s Head of Year/Assistant Head of Year.
Absences
Our attendance policy states that if a student is unwell and misses school, we require medical evidence if the absence extends beyond five consecutive school days, or their attendance falls below 90%. If medical evidence is not available, a home visit will need to be completed by the attendance/pastoral/safeguarding team.
Lateness
Late arrivals to school have become a growing concern, impacting not only students’ academic performance but also the overall school environment and how students settle into the routine of the day. They miss vital messages and reminders about club/events and activities available to them before/after school and during school social time. Good punctuality is part of our basic expectations. It’s a skill for life, so students who are repeatedly late and reach the permitted allowance/threshold will be refused a place at end of year events and trips.
If you have any concerns regarding attendance or punctuality please contact our Attendance Manager, Mrs Harris at the school email address.
Yours faithfully,
Mrs K Wright,
Vice Principal | Behaviour & Ethos
