REMINDER FOR PARENTS
Leave Of Absence during Term Time
As you will all be aware, current attendance regulations stipulate a Headteacher may
not grant a leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional
circumstances.
Each application for a leave of absence will be considered on a case by case basis
and on its own merits.
It is for the Headteacher to decide what she views as ‘exceptional’ and it is at her
discretion if the circumstances warrant the leave to be granted. If the leave is granted,
the Headteacher is able to determine the number of school days a child can be absent
for.
The school can only consider Leave of Absence requests which are made by the
‘resident’ parent.
Where applications for leave of absence are made in advance and refused, the child
will be required to be in school on the dates set out in the application. If the child is
absent during that period, it will be recorded as an unauthorised absence, which may
result in legal action being taken against the parent(s), by way of a Fixed Penalty
Notice.
Failure to make an application for leave in advance can also result in a Fixed Penalty
Notice being issued to the parent(s).
Where a Fixed Penalty Notice is issued and not paid within the required timeframe as
set out on the notice, the matter will be referred to Warwickshire County Council’s
Legal Services to consider instigating criminal proceedings under S444 Education Act
1996.
Parents are asked to respect the new regulations under which the school must work
and if there is a need to take a child out of school during term-time, an application or
request must be made in advance and make clear how the circumstances are
exceptional.