Dear Parents/Carers, Re:
Update on student medical passes for Module 4 2025.
As we approach the end of each module, it is standard practice for each college to undertake a thorough review of all current authorised medical passes ahead of the next module. Medical passes are renewed each module based on the evolving needs of students, where medical or other SEND evidence is required for a pass to be authorised. All current ‘exit-passes’ will be re-issued at the beginning of Module 4, in line with usual practice. We firmly believe that all students must be in lessons with their expert teacher, where they learn best. However, we do understand that there are moments where a few minutes to reset can be helpful to some students.
In this situation, a temporary medical pass can be provided. If a student takes a short time-out as a result of a medical pass, it must be in close visible proximity to their classroom where the teacher can easily check on the wellbeing of them and not be longer than 5 minutes. All medical passes are tracked centrally and are reviewed regularly. From both an educational and safeguarding perspective, no student is allowed to step out of a lesson without the permission of their teacher, and upon presentation of their medical pass. On the occasion where we are monitoring a student’s well-being more closely, a member of the Senior Leadership Team will be alerted to accompany the student during their short time out of lesson. It is our priority that medical passes are only issued in circumstances where they are GP or medically evidenced, and should be a temporary measure to help a child during a short period of time where they may be facing certain challenges.
A student with a life-long condition will require a long-term medical pass in exceptional circumstances. As we transition into Module 4 and we review the needs of our students, I wanted to write to you in order to give every parent and carer significant advance notice of the following: at the start of module five, on Tuesday 22nd April 2025, the academy will remove all medical/exit request privileges from students who do not have medical evidence which justifies the need for a medical pass. This will allow you enough time to obtain recent evidence and includes the February and Easter break. From Module 5, all permission passes to leave the classroom will be known as a Medical Pass. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work together to support your child.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s college team for more information. The safety and safeguarding of students are the priority of our academy. Should we have concerns that your child has misused their privilege, this may be revoked by the college and you will be informed of the reasons why.
Yours faithfully,
Mr Stephenson
Deputy Principal
Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy
