Term dates and holidays
Government legislation only allows headteachers to authorise requests for children to be taken out of school for reasons considered exceptional circumstances.
However, for Safeguarding reasons, the school needs to be informed of all planned absences and therefore, in all cases, you are asked to complete an Absence Request form.
An unauthorised absence from school may result in a Penalty Notice. Please note that Penalty Notices are issued to each parent for each child taken out of school. A Penalty Notice is a fine of £60 which increases to £120 if not paid within the first 21 days. If the Penalty Notice remains unpaid this will result in further legal intervention.
You will no doubt be aware that time away from school will have a direct and negative impact on your child’s education.
The following information is copied directly from the Department for Education's website:
Holidays in term time
You have to get permission from the head teacher if you want to take your child out of school during term time.
You can only do this if:
- you make an application to the head teacher in advance
- there are exceptional circumstances
It’s up to the head teacher how many days your child can be away from school if leave is granted.
You can be fined for taking your child on holiday during term time without the school’s permission.
For more information please visit the DfE website: www.gov.uk/school-attendance-absence