The law does not give parents an automatic right to take their child out of school for holidays during term time.
A growing number of children are taken out of school by their parents for
holidays. Whilst the reasons for this are understood, the detrimental effects
of absence from school can not be over-emphasised. Although holidays may
be cheaper during the school term, the harmful effects of the absence on
your child's education can be far-reaching.
Parents are therefore asked to take family holidays in the periods when
school is closed, unless it is unavoidable.
In exceptional circumstances school may authorise, in advance, requests for
periods of leave of no more than ten days in total in any year. The request
for leave must come from a parent with whom the child normally resides,
and must be for the purpose of a family holiday.
Your request must be made in advance, in line with school policy, using the school's application form.
The Headteacher on behalf of the Governing Body will make the decision, for every individual application, by taking into account such facts as:
The child's record of attendance including unauthorised absences
Whether tests are taking place
The pupil's stage of education and progress
The reason why the holiday must be taken in term time.
If you take your child out of school without approval, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised and the Education Welfare Service may issue you with a penalty notice.
£100 per parent per child (or £50 if paid within 28 days). If the penalty is not paid within 42 days, the Education Welfare Service may prosecute.
