Schools Requesting Certificates for Children's Absences

Schools are under pressure to reduce non-attendance and will make contact with parents/guardians if there is a concern that the missed schooling is not justified. The parents/guardians turning up and asking for a letter may be to avoid the dialogue which may be in your patient's best interest about how the school can accomodate your patient in spite of their on going health needs or problems.

Occasionally GPs are asked by school staff for certificates to confirm illness in children. This is not usually necessary, is not part of core services and we have a letter which you may download to send in to the school requesting such information.

Consider the following

• is this a safeguarding issue (is the parent keeping the child home to act as a carer or other role)?
• do you consider that your patient has an enduring health problem that would be best helped by involvement of the education authorities (every child has a right to an education)

If so, then sharing information with the school should be done without charge (although you don't necessarilly have to provide a written report).

If you are reasonably sure that these two important considerations don't apply and the parents/guardians would like a letter and you are willing to do so then you may charge a fee.