APPLICATION FOR EXCEPTIONAL ABSENCE IN TERM TIME

EVERY DAY COUNTS

GOOD ATTENDANCE IN SCHOOL = GOOD PROGRESS

 

There is a link to the application form at the bottom of the page for you to request permission for your child to be absent from school during term time.  Before completing the application form, please read these notes carefully:

• The Department for Education states that you do not have the right to take your child out of school during term time. The Local Authority works with schools to reduce the numbers of children missing school because of holidays taken in term time and schools can refuse your request to take your child out of school.

• If you wish to take your child on holiday during term time, you must apply for permission at least 4 weeks in advance in writing using the attached form.  Head Teachers are no longer permitted to agree for parents to take their children on holiday during term time unless in exceptional circumstances.

• The Local Authority state that absence for holidays in term time due to the following reasons will not be authorised:

• Availability of cheap holidays
• Availability of desired accommodation
• Poor weather experienced in the school holiday period
• Overlap with the beginning or the end of term
• Holidays booked before checking with the school
• Birthdays
• Day trips, shopping or visit to hairdresser, dentist or similar
• Taking the rest of the day off before or after a medical appointment

DFE- School attendance: guidance for schools

If the school refuses your application and you still take your child out of school the absences will be treated as unauthorised in the register and this will be reported to the Local Authority. 

You need to be aware that a significant number of unauthorised absences can lead to legal action being taken by the Local Authority.

An unauthorised leave of absence of more than 5 days/10 sessions (over a 10 week rolling period) may lead to you being issued with a Penalty Notice Fine or Prosecution.

Penalty notices are issued to parents as an alternative to prosecution and are intended to prevent the need for court action.

•           Penalty Notice Fines are to be issued to each parent, for each child that was absent. For example: 3 siblings absent for term time leave would result in each parent receiving 3 separate fines.

•           First Offence - The first time a Penalty Notice is issued the amount will be: £160 per parent, per child paid within 28 days. This is reduced to £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days.

•           Second Offence (within 3 years) – £160 per parent, per child paid within 28 days.

•           Third Offence and any further offences – The case is to be presented straight to the Magistrates’ Court. A Magistrates fine can be up to £2500 per parent, per child.

Parents who decide not to pay a fine and contest the matter in court should seek legal advice before doing so.

Please note, a child is classed as ‘Persistently Absent’ if they achieve less than 90% attendance.

 

Having read these notes, if you still wish to apply for an exceptional leave of absence for your child to accompany you on holiday during term time then please complete the application attached. 

By submitting this form, you agree that you understand the terms and conditions above and acknowledge that, unless you receive confirmation that the circumstances are deemed exceptional before the date of travel, the holiday will be recorded as unauthorised and you risk receiving a Penalty Notice or Prosecution.

To apply online please Click Here