Medical absence notice (Code I)

[Your name]
11 November 2026

Dear Headteacher,

Re: [Child's name] ([Year]) – notification of absence due to illness

I am writing to formally notify the school that my child is currently unfit to attend school due to acute anxiety and emotional distress. These symptoms began on or around [date].

Each school day my child is experiencing: [symptoms]. These are physical and emotional signs of illness, not a choice and not truancy.

Medical position: [GP / CAMHS status]. I will share further medical information as it becomes available.

The Department for Education's statutory guidance "Working together to improve school attendance" (August 2024) asks schools to work with families to understand barriers to attendance and to authorise absence for illness, including mental health illness, using Code I. Schools should not usually need medical evidence to authorise illness absence, and where there is doubt they should discuss this with the family rather than record the absence as unauthorised.

I therefore request that:
1. These absences are recorded as Code I (Illness) and not Code O (Unauthorised).
2. No attendance penalty notice, fine or legal action is pursued while my child is unwell.
3. The school considers, under paragraph 6.17 of the SEND Code of Practice 2015, whether these attendance difficulties indicate unmet special educational needs.
4. We arrange a meeting to agree support, including reasonable adjustments under sections 20 and 21 of the Equality Act 2010.

I want my child back in education as soon as they are well enough, and I am keen to work with you. Please confirm in writing within 5 school days how these absences will be recorded.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]