APPLICATION FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL DURING TERM TIME

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY

As a parent or carer you are strongly urged to avoid leave of absence from school during term time.  Should this be absolutely unavoidable then you should write a letter to the Head Teacher at least 4 weeks prior to the absence. If your request is refused, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. This will appear both in the school register and in your child’s report.

The government implemented new legislation that came into effect from September 2013 which means that schools may only authorise leave of absence in exceptional circumstances. The expectation of the Local Authority is that term time holidays should not be planned or booked as a matter of course as they are likely to be unauthorised. This could result in legal action being taken or a Penalty Notice being issued by the Local Authority. 

The only statutory defences to the offence under Section 444 (1) Education Act 1996 are:
•    The child was absent for medical reasons
•    The LEA failed to provide transport when required to do so
•    The absences were due to religious observance
•    You had permission from the school or there was an unavoidable cause.