Attendance

Advice Guidance on Attendance

Holidays during term time are against the law.

• Taking children on holiday or out of school during term time is against the law.
• We understand that holidays during term time may cost less money, but they are still against the law.
• Term-time holidays are an increasingly serious issue – and the government is advising schools to take serious action where they need to in order to make sure they do not happen.
• The school is not allowed to authorise absence during term time, unless there are exceptional reasons (this does NOT include sickness of a family member).
• Taking unauthorised holidays could result in a penalty notice from the Local Authority.

Can I request special leave for my child?

We will consider parent requests for special leave only if there are exceptional circumstances and it is completely unavoidable.  Evidence will be required to be provided in all cases.

Holidays are not permitted during term time and requests to take children on holiday will not be granted. The law says that children should be in school during term time and that holidays are not allowed. This is because your child will miss out on important school work and may not be able to catch up. This could have serious consequences for their learning.

Taking a child out of school without good reason or authorisation is very serious and will mean the Education Welfare Officer is notified. They will consider taking action, issuing a penalty notice and in more serious cases they may take court action.

If you feel there is an exceptional reason as to why you need to request special leave then please speak to the school office.

Hugh Myddelton Attendance Policy