School Attendance and Medical Letters

Information for Parents, Carers and Schools

We are receiving an increasing number of requests for GP letters, certificates, or reports to confirm that a child is unwell and unable to attend school.

Please be aware that GP practices do not "sign children off" school and are not required to provide medical certificates for school absence.

In most cases, a parent or carer's explanation for a child's illness should be sufficient for schools to record and manage an absence.

Why can't the GP provide a school absence certificate?

Providing medical certificates for school attendance is not part of NHS GP services. GP Fit Notes (Med3 certificates) are official Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) documents intended for use in employment and are not designed for schools, colleges, or examination boards.

Surrey and Sussex Local Medical Committees (LMCs), together with NHS Surrey and Sussex and local authorities across Brighton & Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex, have confirmed that GPs should not be asked to provide letters confirming that a child is not fit to attend school.

This approach helps ensure that valuable NHS clinical time is reserved for patient care.

If a child's health is affecting their attendance

Where a child has ongoing or significant health needs affecting school attendance, schools should work with parents or carers to understand and support those needs.

In many cases, parents can access relevant health information through the NHS App and share this directly with the school.

If further medical information is genuinely required, schools may contact the practice with appropriate consent. Any information provided will be limited to factual medical information and will not include opinions on:

Whether a child should attend school

Educational provision or adjustments

Examination arrangements

Recommendations relating to schooling

These decisions sit with schools, local authorities and education professionals.

Examination Absence

Examination boards have confirmed that a GP certificate is not usually required when considering special arrangements or special consideration following illness during an examination period. Schools and examination centres should follow their own procedures and guidance.

Requests for Letters

Broadwater Medical Centre is unable to provide letters or certificates solely to:

Confirm a child was ill on a particular day.

Excuse school absence.

Sign a child off school.

Support requests for authorised absence where no medical assessment is required.

Confirm eligibility for examination special consideration.

Safeguarding and Attendance

Regular attendance at school is important for children's educational attainment, health and wellbeing. Where there are concerns about prolonged absence, schools, local authorities and healthcare professionals will work together to ensure children receive appropriate support and safeguarding oversight where required.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.