Frustrated Kent GPs say requiring parents to provide a doctor’s note to schools as evidence when a child is off sick with a cold is “wrong on every level”.

They have warned it is an unnecessary use of NHS resources already under huge pressure.

KentOnline has seen several school policies that say in some cases medical evidence will be required for a sick day to be logged as an authorised absence.

Reasons a doctor’s note may be requested include if a child has already been off five times or if there is cause for doubt that the illness is genuine.

It comes as schools strive to improve attendance levels, which have fallen significantly since the Covid pandemic.

Dr John Ribchester, boss of Whitstable Medical Practice, says he understands head teachers want to get more youngsters turning up for class.

But he says asking for GP appointments to provide proof of coughs and colds, minor sprains and stomach upsets is inappropriate.

“It's wrong on every level because this is an unnecessary attendance for an ailment that can be treated at home simply with maybe rest, fluids and simple painkillers like paracetamol,” he said.

“There's no need for a prescription - there's no need to see a doctor or a nurse.

“General practitioners are under a lot of pressure at the moment with all the illnesses that are going around that it is necessary to see a doctor or nurse for.

“So this is an inappropriate use of NHS resources and it's really not what the NHS is designed to do.”

Dr Ribchester’s practice - which runs three surgeries in the town - has grown so concerned that it posted a notice in a newsletter from The Archbishop’s School in Canterbury on Thursday.

It said: “It has been brought to our attention that an increasing number of parents are being advised by schools to take their child to the GP or urgent treatment centre with minor ailments where self-care would be more appropriate.

“We understand the purpose of this is so the practice can provide evidence of attendance for the school in order to fulfil the school attendance criteria.”

The notice sets out the pressures facing the NHS before adding: “We would therefore be extremely grateful if parents are not advised to attend with their child unless medical attention is required.”

Policies on sick days vary across the county.

The Whitstable School says up to five absences will be authorised unless there are concerns the illness might not be genuine or require time off.

It adds: “In these cases, the school may ask for additional evidence […] such as a doctor’s note, appointment card, prescription, hospital letter or medical report. The school will not ask for this additional evidence unnecessarily.”

Similarly, Herne Bay High’s policy says: “Should your child be unwell for five days or more, we will require medical evidence to support this absence.”

The Howard School in Gillingham says if “satisfactory” medical evidence is not provided when requested “the absence may be marked as unauthorised”.

And the Thomas Aveling School in Rochester says: “When the school has a reasonable doubt about the authenticity of an illness, medical evidence may be requested to authorise any further periods of absence.”

It comes amid a dramatic drop in school attendance across the country since the pandemic.

In 2018/19, 10.5% of pupils were recorded as “persistently absent” - meaning they missed one in 10 lessons. By 2022/23 this had doubled to 21.2%, which equates to about 1.6 million children across the country.

Strict guidance was subsequently brought in to try and get more pupils into the classroom.

In August last year, the minimum fine handed to parents for truancy rose from £60 to £80. This is bumped up to £160 if it is not paid within 21 days.

Dr Ribchester said: “I can understand that the schools wish to get better attendance.

“However, taking a child to see a GP or even just phoning up a GP saying, ‘Can you confirm that my child has got a viral infection’ or something that doesn't require any treatment is not what the NHS is for.

“There must be a better way of trying to confirm they are genuinely ill.”

Dr Julian Spinks, from the Medway Practices Alliance - which operates two surgeries - is also concerned and has experienced parents trying to secure sick notes first-hand.

“The big problem is GPs are overwhelmed at the best of times so if we have schools insisting pupils have a consultation, it’s adding to our pressures and not really helping the child,” he told KentOnline.

“If it’s a more serious illness we are probably involved anyway. It’s not our place to be policing attendance.”

Dr Spinks - who has worked for the NHS for 40 years - added: “It’s not even proving kids are ill because if you're coming in with a cold, it’s gone within the time you get an appointment.

“It’s low priority so it will be a few days and it’s almost certain the person will have recovered.

“It’s no better than a parent writing a letter.”

Government guidance says only where there is genuine and reasonable doubt about the authenticity of the illness should medical evidence be requested.

The Department for Education has been contacted for further comment.

The Archbishop’s School was not able to comment.