Holidays During Term Time

The DfE regulations make it clear that parents do not have any right or entitlement to take a child out of school for the purposes of a term time holiday. The regulations do state that Headteachers may, in exceptional circumstances, grant up to 10 school days leave in a school year for the purposes of an annual family holiday but parents should not expect such leave to be granted as a right. The law says that it is likely that in most cases Headteachers will refuse to authorise absence. The Government’s guidance on term-time holidays states: ‘Parents should not normally take pupils on holiday in term time’.

In exceptional circumstances, parents must apply in writing using the academy’s leave of absence form.

Pupil Term Time Holiday Request Form

This must be done at least 2 weeks in advance.

It is the decision of the Headteacher as to what might qualify as an exceptional circumstance and each request for term-time absence will be considered on an individual basis. The Headteacher will also look very carefully at the child’s previous attendance record when considering a request.

• If we do not agree to grant leave and parents take their child on holiday in spite of this, then it will count as unauthorised absence – the same as ‘truancy’.

• If the child remains absent for longer than agreed then this extra time will be recorded as unauthorised absence.
• 10 or more sessions of unauthorised absence from the academy may result in the issuing of a fixed penalty notice.

• If a child fails to return to school within 10 days of the agreed return date and there is no appropriate contact from parents/carers, we are entitled to remove the child from our roll and will take action to report the child as missing from education.

Family emergencies need careful consideration. It is not always in the best interest of the child; nor appropriate for them to miss school for family emergencies that are being dealt with by adult family members. Being at school, friendships and support from staff can provide children with stability and care during difficult times. The routine of school can provide a safe and familiar background during times of uncertainty.

Parents /carers can be prosecuted for their child’s truancy or poor attendance. We want to avoid this happening and will do our best to work with families, but we will take legal action in cases of persistent absence, unauthorised leave or truancy.