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How to review your staff sickness and absence policy

Know what to look out for, and what questions you can ask to review your staff sickness and absence policy with confidence.

Last reviewed on 16 April 2026See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 41925
Contents
  1. Key facts
  2. Key points to look out for
  3. 3 key questions to challenge the policy
  4. Model staff sickness and absence policy
  5. See examples from other schools and a trust

Key facts

  • This policy is non-statutory
  • You can delegate the approval of this policy to an individual or committee
  • The board determines the review cycle
  • The headteacher and senior leadership team will write and be responsible for the implementation of this policy

Key points to look out for

Clear procedures for managing both short and long-term sickness absence

You'll want to see that there are separate procedures for short-term absence and long-term sickness. Staff should have information on the different stages of each process and the possible outcomes. This should also include staff's rights to be accompanied to formal meetings, and information about the appeals process.

Different types of absence are clearly set out as being paid or unpaid

Procedures for different types