The law does not grant parents the automatic right to take their child out of school during term time.
As stated in our school Attendance Policy, only exceptional circumstances warrant an authorised leave of absence. Generally, a need or desire for a holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure and recreation would not constitute an exceptional circumstance.
If seeking permission for exceptional circumstances leave of absence, the parent/guardian should complete a Leave of Absence Request form. The request should be submitted as soon as it is anticipated; and wherever possible, at least four weeks before the absence. Leave of absence cannot be approved retrospectively.
The school will consider each application individually, considering the specific facts and circumstances. Parents may be required to provide the school with additional evidence in order to support the request. The expectation of the school is that term time holidays should not be planned or booked as a matter of course, as they are likely to be unauthorised.
Where a leave of absence is granted, the school will determine the number of days the pupil can be away from school. A leave of absence is granted entirely at the school’s discretion.
I/We understand that:
- If the leave is not agreed or I/we do not return at the agreed time; I am / we are aware that I / we may be issued with a penalty notice per parent, per child. If I/we do not pay the fine, the case may be referred to Court which could result in a criminal record and fines up to £2500 and/or 3 months imprisonment.
- If travelling abroad, I/we may be asked to supply a copy of the return travel documentation and the name & phone number/email of a contact person whilst abroad.
- I/we are aware that if we do not return at the agreed time, Children Missing Education enquiries might be made, and further investigations may take place regarding the child’s whereabouts. In exceptional circumstances this could result in the child being removed from the school roll.
- In exceptional circumstances, penalty notices may not be issued, and cases may be taken straight to Court.
- If the leave of absence is agreed, it will be coded as an authorised absence for the agreed period.
- Where leave in term time has not been agreed or for the days taken in excess of an agreement, it will be coded as unauthorised absence.
