Illness
We are all unwell from time to time and if a child’s illness is long term, schools can make sure measures are taken so no work is missed.
What children can do
If you are unwell and not able to go to school for a while, your parents should notify the school and keep them informed. You could:
- ask one of your friends to let you know what they have been studying
- ask a friend if they could bring any handouts or notes home for you to have a look at when you start to feel better
- check to see if your school has a website where they post homework and assignments
What parents should know
If your child is unable to attend school due to long-term illness, the school should provide work to cover the first three weeks of absence. After that, the
local authority (LA) can arrange for your child, if aged 5-17, to be taught at home.
To receive this support you need to contact the Senior Caseworker on 01245 436756. You will be asked to supply medical evidence which states the reason why your child is unable to attend school and for how long this will apply. If agreed, teaching will be provided by the Integrated Support Service (ISS). This service provides teaching for pupils who are out of school for a variety of reasons, reintegrating them into school when appropriate.
School Phobia
Lots of children are anxious about going to school, for a variety of reasons. These can include:
- Recently starting a new school and not yet settling in or making new friends
- Struggling with schoolwork
- Being bullied
- Recent change in circumstances, such as the separation of parents or the death of a family member
Signs a pupil may be suffering from anxious school refusal
- Problems getting to sleep, especially at the end of school holidays or on Sunday evenings when worrying about returning to school
- Suffering from ailments associated with worrying, such as headaches, nausea, stomach aches and diarrhoea
- Thinking up excuses to not attend school, including feeling unwell and study leave
- Finding it extra hard to get out of bed, get dressed, leave the house or enter the school gates
- Pretending to go to school, but really playing truant
How to make the situation better
The first thing parents and children should do is talk to one another. This should be done on a regular basis and involve topics such as friends, and studies. If communication is open it is easier to help each other. Any underlying issues to do with
bullying, arguments at home or concerns about the impact of a
divorce or separation can be resolved with the correct help.
Many young people and parents are going though the exact same thing.
Outside help
If talking amongst yourselves doesn’t work, talking to a teacher is always a good option. They may have already noticed a change in behaviour or school work, and could suggest suitable avenues of help and support.
For further advice you can speak to the Senior Caseworker (Children’s Support Service) on 01245 436756.