Three schools in the UK have issued apologies for their strict attendance policies that required sick students to attend school even when unwell. Neale-Wade academy in Cambridgeshire faced backlash after sending a letter to parents stating that absences for period pains would be marked as “unauthorised” unless medical information was provided. This caused uproar among parents who questioned the necessity of medical evidence for such a common issue.
The headteacher of Neale-Wade academy, Graham Horn, apologized to parents and retracted the requirement for medical information to support absences. He mentioned that the school does not require doctor’s notes or other medical information for reasons like period pains. This move comes after consulting government guidance, which does not mandate such stringent requirements for student absences.
Similarly, Glenmoor and Winton academies in Bournemouth faced criticism for a compulsory attendance pledge that asked parents to commit to sending their children to school even if they felt unwell. This pledge was met with anger from parents who felt that it took away their autonomy to decide if their child was fit to attend school. Education campaigner Adam Sofianos stated that parents viewed this pledge as heavy-handed and feared that it would lead to more sick children and teachers in the long run.
The pressure on schools to improve attendance rates stems from a national crisis in school attendance, with a record 150,000 children classified as severely absent in the most recent academic year. Various approaches to tackling absence have been implemented, including incentivizing students with rewards for perfect attendance. While some schools offer rewards like cinema tickets and food vouchers for not missing a day, critics argue that the focus on 100% attendance is unrealistic and can put undue pressure on children.
Dr. Kulvarn Atwal, a headteacher and vice-chair of the Headteachers’ Roundtable thinktank, emphasized the importance of understanding why certain children are persistently absent rather than solely focusing on improving attendance rates. He highlighted the need to support families and children to attend school regularly by addressing underlying issues that may be contributing to absences.
The controversy surrounding attendance policies also brought attention to the challenges faced by students experiencing debilitating period pains. Campaigners and medical professionals emphasized the need for schools to be more understanding and supportive of students dealing with menstrual issues. Dr. Sharon Dixon, a GP and research fellow, highlighted the significant impact of period pain on students’ ability to concentrate and participate in school activities.
In conclusion, the apologies issued by these academies reflect a broader conversation about the importance of balancing strict attendance policies with compassion and understanding for students’ individual circumstances. It is essential for schools to consider the well-being of their students and provide support where needed, rather than enforcing rigid rules that may negatively affect student health and well-being.
