Parents are fuming after a change in school policy means pupils cannot use their periods as a reason to take a sick day unless parents provide “related medical information,” according to reports. Many are now pointing out that conditions such as endometriosis – which can cause severe painful periods and bleeding – are often diagnosed later in life, with one mum only being diagnosed in her 40s, despite decades of pain. The BBC says Neale-Wade Academy in March, Cambridgeshire, added they are no longer accepting explanations such as “unwell, poorly, or ill” for authorising student absences.
Graham Horn, the principal of Neale-Wade Academy, said the school prioritised student wellbeing but added that regular attendance was “crucial for academic success,” as reported by BBC News. A recent email from the academy to parents stated, “From immediate effect, we will not be accepting terms such as ‘unwell, poorly, ill’ or similar as explanations relating to student absence. Communications made using these and similar terms will be recorded as unauthorised.” The school then published a list of reasons that would lead to an “unauthorised absence,” including period pains unless supported by medical information.
Under national rules, schools may consider fining parents if a child has missed 10 or more sessions for unauthorised reasons. The fine is typically £80 if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days. Parents have expressed their outrage at the new requirement, with one posting on social media, “If they ill, they ill [sic],” and stating, “You do not own my child.” Another parent, Emi, declared, “If need be I will continue to keep my daughter off.” Stephanie, who also received the email, expressed her disagreement with the policy change, especially regarding the requirement for medical information for period pains, citing her own experience with endometriosis.
Mr Horn justified the changes by stating they align with the latest government guidance issued in August. He mentioned, “These changes include increased support for students at risk of persistent absence and potential legal consequences for unauthorised absences. We appreciate the cooperation of parents and carers as we work together to ensure the best educational outcomes for all our students.” Government guidance outlines that in the “majority of cases,” a parent informing the school of their child’s illness should be accepted without question, unless there are doubts about the authenticity of the illness.
The guidance adds, “Only where the school has genuine and reasonable doubt about the authenticity of the illness should medical evidence be requested to support the absence.” Parents are concerned about the impact of this policy on students who may genuinely be unwell but are now required to provide medical proof for certain conditions, such as period pains. The debate around balancing student attendance, academic success, and the genuine needs of students experiencing health issues continues as parents, educators, and policymakers navigate the complexities of supporting student wellbeing within the framework of school policies.