Attendance & Absence

What if my child is ill?

Your child's health and welfare are extremely important.  The School Nursing Team visit Colton to carry out height, weight and vision checks for children in Reception and Years Six and hearing assessments in Year 1. They also carry out annual flu vaccines for those pupils who have consent from their parents. Parents should contact the school if they do not wish their child to undertake a routine examination or if their child has a medical condition we need to know about. Colton also has a team of staff who are qualified first aiders.

Unfortunately, the teaching staff are not able to support the administration of medicines in school except for the regular use of asthma inhalers where pupils administer these themselves and other medication specifically approved by the Headteacher and on a prescription basis. However, special arrangements can be made; please contact the school office should the need arise.

Pupils who are unwell should not be sent to school. In cases of sickness/diarrhoea, pupils should remain at home for 48 hours after the last bout of illness. Parents are asked to inform school by 9.00 a.m. if their child is not attending. (Staff are not permitted to apply sun cream but will help younger children if you give verbal permission for that).

In the summer, parents are encouraged to apply sun cream at home and send pupils to school with sun-hats. Parents can also provide sun cream which the children can apply as required through the day.  

 If your child has an injury which causes concern, we will contact you for a decision as to further action.  It is essential therefore that emergency contact and medical information is kept up to date. Please inform us of any changes promptly. Staff have a duty to act in loco parentis if we cannot contact you and we will secure medical treatment in an emergency. 

Can we go on holiday in term time?

It is essential that your child attends school as much as possible. Holidays during school time will not be authorised. In exceptional circumstances, a holiday could possibly be authorised but this is extremely rare. Being unable to have any other time off work is not an exceptional circumstance. Please refer to the exceptional circumstances form for details on fines.