Parents have reacted angrily to a school’s policy of refusing to authorise sick days related to period pain unless parents provided “related medical information”.
Neale-Wade Academy in March, Cambridgeshire, also said it was no longer accepting explanations such as “unwell, poorly or ill” for it to authorise student absences.
Some parents criticised the move on social media, with one mother saying that her endometriosis, a condition that often causes painful periods, was only diagnosed in her 40s.
Graham Horn, the principal of Neale-Wade Academy, said the school prioritised student wellbeing, but added that regular attendance was “crucial for academic success”.
A recent email from Neale-Wade Academy to parents, seen by the BBC, said: “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 published a list of reasons given by parents that it would record an “unauthorised absence”, including:
- Ill
- Unwell
- Poorly
- Period pains (unless we have medical information relating)
- Has a cold
- And similar
Under national rules, schools are required to consider fining parents if a child has missed 10 or more sessions – or five days – for unauthorised reasons.
The fine is normally £80 if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days.
A parent who anonymously posted the email on social media said: “If they ill, they ill [sic],” adding: “You do not own my child.”
Another parent, Emi, said: “If need be I will continue to keep my daughter off.”
Stephanie, who said she also received the email, said: “I agree in principle, the few have ruined it for the many.
“As a sufferer of endometriosis I take offence in the claim of period pains without medical info relating.
“I suffered dreadfully and still do with my periods but was not diagnosed until my 40s.”
The school principal, Mr Horn, said the changes were in line with new government guidance published in August.
“These changes include increased support for students at risk of persistent absence and potential legal consequences for unauthorised absences.”
He added: “We appreciate the cooperation of parents and carers as we work together to ensure the best educational outcomes for all our students.”
The government guidance states that in the “majority of cases” a parent informing the school their child is ill “can be accepted without question or concern”.
It added: “Only where the school has genuine and reasonable doubt about the authenticity of the illness should medical evidence be requested to support the absence.”