Term Time Absence Requests

TERM TIME LEAVE OF ABSENCE REQUEST FORM

There have been changes to the Department for Education law and guidance relating to children’s attendance at school.  All Head teachers are required by law to adhere to these new regulations. The main changes are highlighted below:

•      The reference to family holiday and extended leave, as well as the statutory threshold of ten school days has been removed.

•      Parents do not have a legal right to take children out of school.

•      Head teachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.

More detailed guidance information can be found at the DfE web site: http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/pupilsupport/behaviour/attendance
The guidance states you should not normally take your children on holiday during term time. If you have an exceptional circumstance requiring term time leave of absence for a pupil, you must complete the school’s Term Time Leave of Absence form as far in advance as possible. The amendments make clear that Head teachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time, except in exceptional circumstances. Therefore, if a holiday that you request is not authorised you are advised not to take your child out of school as absences will be marked in the school register as Unauthorised.

Whilst Leave of Absence may be granted during term time, it is not a parental right, and the school will consider each application individually.  The Governors of St Mary’s CE Primary School will fully support the Head teacher in complying with this DfE guidance.

Penalty Notices for unauthorised absences

The Local Authority has amended its Local Code of Conduct in respect of Penalty Notices issued for truancy to include unauthorised pupil leave of absence in term time. If a pupil accumulates 10 or more sessions of unauthorised leave of absence within the previous 6 month period of a current academic year, the school must notify the Local Authority and a Penalty Notice will be issued to each parent for each child where that applies. A penalty of £60 will apply if paid within 21 days or £120 up to 28 days. If after 28 days the penalty has not been paid, legal proceedings will be taken through the magistrates court for the unauthorised absence.

Wiltshire Council Leave Of Absence Guidance for Parents

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