If their child is experiencing difficulties in school which may lead to absence, they contact school staff to discuss concerns and find a resolution which prevents absences;
When school staff request medical evidence, such as appointment cards (to cover absences incurred as a result of attending GP or dentist appointments) or prescribed medication (to cover whole days of absence as a result of diagnosed illness) that such evidence is provided without delay to enable absences to be authorised;
Where a parent experiences difficulties obtaining medical evidence, school nursing services may be able to liaise with the relevant GP/medical practitioner to secure this evidence on behalf of the school. Parents will need to provide permission for information to be shared in this way;
Failure on the part of the parent to provide such medical evidence may result in absences being recorded as unauthorised and referral to the Missing Education and Child Employment Service will be considered.