The Norfolk Local Medical Committee (NLMC) has raised concerns with the LEA about the growing expectation of parents that GPs will certify the illness of pupils during and prior to examinations and that this service will be provided free of charge.

The NLMC has asked the LEA to remind schools that GPs do not have an obligation to provide such certification. If they do, it is standard practice across the country for GPs to charge for providing the certificate. The charge is borne by the student or his/her parent.

Requests are usually generated by parents. However, it is generally found by the NLMC that schools do not actually require this certification.