What to do if your child is unwell

Please ensure you inform the school on the first day of any absence before 8:30am.  It is important that you tell us so that we have accurate attendance information for the security of the children.  You can inform the school by telephoning and pressing 1 to leave a message letting the school know your child’s name, class and reason for absence.  Alternatively you can email absence@kings.richmond.sch.uk providing the same information. 

If no message is received by the school, we will telephone you after 9.15am to check the whereabouts of your child.

After the first day there is no need to notify us again unless the illness has turned into something that will potentially keep your child off for longer than 5 days.  Please be aware that we may contact you during any period of absence.

You can find more details of our absence procedures by downloading our Attendance Policy.

Returning after illness

Please do not bring in your child to school if they are ill.

Children who have been sick (vomiting) or have had an attack of diarrhoea, must not come into school until at least 48 hours have passed without further symptoms.

If your child has had a contagious infectious disease (such as chicken pox) please call the school for advice on when they can return.

Medicine in School

Our school policy entitled Supporting Pupils with a Medical Condition details procedures for the safe storage, handling and administration of medicines.  You can download a copy of the policy here (you may need to scroll down the pop-up window to find the policy)

Medical Appointments

Please avoid taking your child out of school for a medical or dental appointment where possible.

If you do need to take your child out of school, then you are required to complete an absence form which can be found on the school website or requested at the school office.  If a request is for a medical appointment, a copy of the appointment letter must be provided. This form and relating evidence should be submitted to the school for consideration via absence@kings.richmond.sch.uk or the school office. This request will be considered by the Headteacher or her Deputy and a response will be given as soon as possible.

You should sign your child ‘in’ and ‘out’ of school in the book outside the school office. This is important so that staff know which children are out of school should an emergency arise.

Illness during school hours

Sometimes children become ill while at school. If necessary the school will make every effort to contact a family member to come and collect the child.

The emergency contact numbers held on the school database are essential in these circumstances and it is very important that you remember to notify the school of any changes.

First Aid during school hours

We have trained first aiders on the school staff.

Sometimes children have accidents while at school. In these circumstances they will receive treatment in school. They will be issued with a note if it is felt that you should know the details of what has occurred.

In the case of minor ‘playground accidents’, school staff can only administer an ice pack, clean any scrapes etc with clean water and put on a sterile dressing if necessary.

If further medical attention is required, you will be contacted.

If your child comes home with any of our spare clothes on, please wash and return them as soon as possible to the school office so that they are in the cupboard for the next time they are needed.

School Nurse

The school nurse is a fully qualified nurse who is allocated special responsibility for the school.

She visits school regularly to do development checks on the children.

Head Lice

Head lice can be attracted to any child’s hair.

Children with long hair should have it tied back.

We do not search children’s heads for ‘visitors’. However, if we do discover that a child has lice we will inform you promptly and anticipate that you will treat your child and your whole family as soon as possible.

There is much advice available in pharmacies about the current recommended treatment for these pests and our school nurse will always offer advice if asked.

It is every parent’s responsibility to regularly check their child’s hair and take action immediately if lice are found. If they are found please can you let the class teacher know.

If we are alerted to an ‘outbreak’ of head lice in a class we will notify you via ParentMail to  encourage all parents in a class to treat their child.

Sunny Days / Sun Protection

We advise parents to provide sunhats for their children and clothing that covers the arms.

Parents should apply sunscreen before the child comes to school but sun cream may not be brought into school.