Health and Accessing the School Day

At Denby Free, we believe that a child’s physical health and emotional wellbeing are the foundations of successful learning. We are committed to supporting our families by providing clear guidance on illness and a robust framework for mental health support.

Physical Health: Common Childhood Illnesses

It can be difficult to decide whether your child is well enough for school. As a general rule, if your child is kept at home, please notify the school office by 9.30am on each day of their absence.

To help you make an informed decision, we follow the latest clinical advice from the NHS.

• Is my child too ill for school? For a quick guide on specific conditions—including chickenpox, scarlet fever, and impetigo—please visit the NHS: Is my child too ill for school? page.

• High Temperatures: If your child has a fever (38°C or above), they should stay at home until the fever has passed.

• Coughs and Colds: It is usually fine to send your child to school with a minor cough or common cold, provided they do not have a high temperature.

• Vomiting and Diarrhoea: Children must stay at home for 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea to prevent the spread of infection.

Emotional Wellbeing: Supporting Young Minds

Mental health is just as important as physical health. We work closely with external partners and use proven frameworks to ensure every child feels safe, heard, and supported.

Compass Changing Lives (Derbyshire)

We are proud to partner with Compass Changing Lives, which provides emotional wellbeing and mental health support for children and young people across Derbyshire. They offer early intervention for issues such as low mood, anxiety, and emotional regulation.

• Access Support: Parents, carers, and students can find resources or request support directly via the Compass Changing Lives website.

• Resources: They provide excellent "Welcome Packs" and top tips for managing back-to-school nerves and sleep hygiene.

The WARMTH Framework

To ensure our school remains a nurturing environment, we utilise the WARMTH framework. This approach guides how we interact with and support our students' emotional needs:

• W – Wellbeing First: Prioritising the emotional state of the child to enable better learning.

• A – Affirming Practice: Recognising and celebrating the unique identity and needs of every pupil.

• R – Relational Approach: Building strong, trusting connections between staff and students.

• M – Mutual Understanding: Working in partnership with families to support the child’s journey.

• T – Timely Response: Identifying and responding to concerns at the earliest possible stage.

• H – Holistic Support: Looking at all facets of a child's life, not just their academic performance.

 

"A child who feels safe and understood is a child who is ready to thrive."