SCHOOLS from the United Learning group have apologised after an attendance contract aimed at parents sparked ‘severe criticism’.

Parents of pupils at Glenmoor Academy and Winton Community Academy from the United Learning group were asked to sign a contract with a term that included the commitment that their children will attend school “even if you feel unwell".

The contract parents and pupils were asked to sign said: “I understand that signing this pledge is part of a commitment to help ensure that my child attends school every day.

“Always come into school, even if you feel unwell. We have first aiders, and we can give students a break in lesson to get them through the day.”

The policy also requires parents to accept a default same-day detention for *any* lateness.

Following a revolt from parents and carers, the schools have withdrawn the contract and issued an apology.

In a letter to parents, the schools said: “We received a number of comments from parents concerned about the tone and content of the Attendance Pledge.

“In particular, the expectations regarding students attending school when unwell.

“On reflection, we agree that we agree with the criticism of our proposed approach.

“We accept that we can this wrong and apologise for doing so.”

Adam Sofianos is an education campaigner from Highcliffe. Speaking on the attendance policy, he said: “The policy of keeping children in school when sick is absolutely against public health guidelines.

“Parents are angry that it takes away their choice to decide if their child is unwell.

“Although attendance is incredibly important we need to calm down and take a look at what is causing the attendance issues and then we might be able to resolve them.”

A spokesperson for United Learning said: “Nationally, school attendance has declined substantially since the pandemic. 

“At the same time, evidence has got even stronger that low attendance has a huge impact on children’s progress, attainment and chances in later life.

“Schools are rightly always looking for ways to promote good attendance – because we know how good that is for children.

“That was the aim of this idea, but in the light of parental feedback, the school decided not to proceed with it.  We support their decision.”