Schools do not need to routinely seek medical evidence to authorise short-term pupil absences that result from mental health issues, according to new government guidance.
It comes as a report on the wellbeing of children and young people found the level of probable disorders has remained at “elevated” levels since the pandemic, and warned anxiousness increased in pupils of all ages last year.
In advice on dealing with absences caused by mental health issues published this morning, the Department for Education (DfE) reiterated that schools are expected to ensure regular attendance.
But it added that there was no need to “routinely” ask for medical evidence to support an authorised absence for mental health reasons.
