This is an application form for you to request permission for your child to be absent from school during term time. Before completing the application form, please read these notes carefully:

The law states that you do not have the right to take your child out of school during term time. The Local  Authority works with schools to reduce the numbers of children missing school because of holidays taken in term time and schools can refuse your request to take your child out of school. We will consider each application on a case by case basis. We want to be clear that we will very rarely authorise Term Time Leave and this will only be in truly exceptional circumstances with appropriate paperwork provided.

If you wish to take your child out of school during term time, you must apply for permission in writing using the attached form. Absences without prior notification will not be authorised. If your child's absence exceeds 20 school days you risk losing your child's school place. The DFE regulations now state that headteachers may only grant any leave of absence during term time if there are exceptional circumstances.

There are certain times of the year when a child may experience significant problems because of missing school. These include examination periods, starting a new school and the start of a new school term. In deciding whether to authorise your child’s absence and give permission for your child to be taken out of school in term time, the school will take these and other factors into account.

If the school refuse your application and you still take your child out of school the absences will be treated as unauthorised. Unauthorised absences may lead to a Penalty Notice or Legal action being taken against you for irregular school attendance.

Having read these notes, if you still wish to apply for a leave of absence for your child during term time then please complete the application attached. This form should be returned to school as far in advance of the proposed holiday as possible.