Notification of Pupil Absence - 15 Consecutive or Cumulative Days

15 day absence reporting guidance
1. Schools are now legally required to notify the local authority where pupils are coded I (illness) and who the school has reasonable grounds to believe will miss 15 days consecutively or cumulatively because of sickness.
  
  Only one sickness return is required for a continuous period of sickness in a school year. This is to help the school and local authority to agree any provision needed to ensure continuity of education for pupils who cannot attend because of health needs, in line with the statutory guidance on arranging education for children who cannot attend school because of health needs.
  
  In cases of both long term physical or mental ill health, school staff are not expected to diagnose or treat physical or mental health conditions, but they are expected to work together with families and other agencies with the aim of ensuring regular attendance for every pupil.
  
  Medical evidence for recording absences should only be needed in a minority of cases (see Code I).
2. This form is designed to assist schools comply with their responsibilities. Your allocated Attendance Support Officer will contact you should further assistance be required.