Extended Leave
We need your support in ensuring that holidays are not taken in school time so that your child has every opportunity to succeed.
We know that it can be expensive to take holidays during school breaks and we understand this is why some parents ask for term-time leave for children. However it is crucial that you think very carefully about the implications of taking your child out of school during term time. Children who are taken out of school may never catch up on work they have missed. This will heavily impact on children's performance in school.
The law says that parents do NOT have the right to take their children out of school for holidays during term time. From September 2013, head teachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.
If you take a holiday without the Head's permission, or if your child fails to return on the agreed date, this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence ie truancy.
Recent government legislation has been introduced to reduce absences from school. This means that local authorities can issue penalty notices of £60 per parent per child if they do not take action to improve their child's attendance. If the penalty notice is not paid within 21 days it rises to £120. Also, the school may remove your child from roll should parents not adhere to the attendance policy and continue to take unauthorised leave.
Penalty notices will be issued if:
• Your child is truanting
• Your child is persistently absent or late
• You take your child on holiday during term time without the Head Teacher's permission
• You delay your return from an extended holiday without prior school permission
Issues to Consider
Where possible, family holidays should always be arranged during the school holidays.
| October half-term (1 week) | Easter Holiday (2 weeks) |
| Christmas Holiday (2 weeks) | Spring Bank holiday (1 week) |
| February half-term (1 week) | Summer Holiday (6 weeks) |
There are times during the school year that will disrupt education significantly more than others.
You need to consider and avoid:
• Beginning of the school year
• The first year of school
• Absence in Year 2 and Year 6 before and during SATs (May)
What You Need to Do
If you want to request leave for your child at any time, you must seek permission from the Headteacher. You will need to complete a form which is available below and from the office. An appointment should be made with the Head teacher and/or the school's Attendance Officer to discuss the request. This must be done before booking your trip and at least 2 weeks in advance. The Headteacher will then inform you of her decision.
| Name | |
|---|---|
| LEAVE OF ABSENCE FORM new.doc | Download |
