Dear Parents and Carers,

As winter approaches, we are seeing a rise in seasonal illnesses such as colds, coughs, flu, and sickness bugs. While it’s natural for students to feel under the weather at this time of year, we encourage attendance wherever possible, even with mild symptoms. Being in school helps students keep up with lessons, maintain routines, and stay connected with friends — all of which are vital for success.

If your child is unwell and unable to attend, it is your responsibility to inform the school before 8:45am. This can be done via the school app or by selecting the attendance option when calling the school. Prompt communication ensures we can support your child effectively.

To safeguard wellbeing, we will carry out welfare calls and home visits for absent students. These checks help us understand how we can assist and ensure every child remains engaged with their learning.

The NHS recommends flu vaccinations for eligible young people. If your child is eligible, please arrange this through your GP or local pharmacy to help protect them during the winter months.

Not sure if your child is well enough to attend school? The NHS provides a helpful online tool called “Is my child too ill for school?” which offers clear guidance on common symptoms and whether your child should stay at home or attend school. We encourage parents and carers to use this resource before deciding on absence. You can access it by searching “NHS Is my child too ill for school?” or visiting the NHS website.

Why good attendance matters:

· Every day in school is an opportunity to learn and build the knowledge, skills, and confidence that open doors to future education and careers.

· Missing just 5 days can drop attendance below the DfE’s 96% target.

· At 95% attendance, a student misses around 45 hours of learning per year; at 90%, this rises to 95 hours.

· Below 90% attendance is classed as persistently absent, which can seriously affect learning, confidence, and wellbeing.

At The English Martyrs Catholic School, we believe strong attendance is the foundation for success. Together, we can ensure our students thrive, achieve, and enhance their life chances.

Thank you for your continued support.

Yours faithfully,
Mr N Lindsay