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Term time holidays

The Department of Education expects schools and local authorities to promote good attendance and reduce absences, and as a school we support this.  Missing out on lessons leaves children vulnerable to falling behind and therefore achieving less at school.  As a school we work incredibly hard to support all children and their families to achieve good attendance.

To this end, we do not support family holidays being taken during term time as this will only hinder your child's progress.  If, however, this is unavoidable then you may apply for exceptional leave.  You will need to complete a form in advance of the proposed leave of absence, and the Headteacher will determine if the leave is authorised or not.  Each request will be taken on its own merits and based on the information provided by the parent. 

In September 2013, the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 came into force.  These regulations make it clear that Headteachers should not grant approval for any leave of absence during term-time, including holidays, unless there are exceptional circumstances.  These regulations also state that holidays cannot be authorised retrospectively.

Any requests should be on an official school absence request form (available from the school office), and handed into the school office for consideration prior to any holiday/leave arrangements being made.

You may be issued with a Penalty Notice should leave be taken which is not authorised.  If unpaid this could lead to prosecution under section 444(1) of the Education Act 1996.  A Penalty Notice may be issued regardless of the child's wider school attendance.