Term Time Leave / Holiday Requests

Applications for Holidays During Term Time

In September 2013, amendments to the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006, make it clear that Head Teachers may not grant any Leave of Absence (holiday) during term time unless there are ‘exceptional circumstances’

The Head Teacher and the Governing Body will determine what constitutes an exceptional circumstance on an individual basis. If parents/carers need to request Exceptional Leave of Absence, they must complete an ‘Exceptional Leave of Absence’ form. It should be noted that if any application is declined and absence occurs of a consecutive 5 or more unauthorised days, then school will apply to the Local Authority for a Fixed Penalty Notice to be issued to each parent/carer.

The following will not be deemed to be exceptional circumstances:

• • • • • • • • • • • Family holiday - regardless of profession (with the exception of military personnel)
                    • Availability of less expensive holiday
                    • Availability of holiday accommodation
                    • Parent/carer’s working commitments
                    • Holiday pre-booked by another family member

A child’s absence during term time seriously disrupts their continuity of learning. Not only do they miss the teaching on the days they are away but are less prepared for the lessons building on that teaching when they return to school. There is a consequent risk of under achievement, which we must seek to avoid.

Official forms are available at the office and below for completion for holiday and exceptional circumstances absence requests.  All requests must be submitted via the official form and not by email or verbally please.

The table below sets out the attendance targets and at what stage parents/carers will be contacted about their child’s attendance.

Unauthorised Absence and Fixed Penalty Notices

An absence may be coded as ‘unauthorised’ if:

1. no reason for absence has been given
2. medical evidence is not received when requested
3. a request for a leave of absence has been unauthorised
4. a pupil arrives at school after registration has closed at 9am

Parents/carers should be aware that Lower Peover Primary School will contact the Local Authority if a pupil has 10 or more unauthorised absences in the current term with a view to issuing a Fixed Penalty Notice or other legal action. The Fixed Penalty Notice is issued individually to each parent/carer who fails to ensure their child’s regular attendance at school. The Penalty is £60 per parent/carer per child if paid within 21 days rising to £120 if paid within 28 days. Non-payment of the Fixed Penalty Notice may result in prosecution in the Magistrates court.