Dear parents/ carers

I would like to clarify the school’s position regarding holidays or leave of absence in term time. As a school, we work within the policy adopted by the Local Authority and Trust.  All school absence is a serious matter monitored by the Trust, Local Authority Education Welfare Department and Ofsted.

Holidays are NOT permitted in term time. Holidays should be taken in school holiday time. Taking holidays in term time means children quickly fall behind with their work, routines and behaviour and often require extra support to catch up.

Headteachers are only allowed to authorise leave during term time in exceptional circumstances. Unauthorised absence lasting 5 days or more will result in a referral for a fixed penalty notice. From August 2024, the fine for unauthorised school absence lasting 5 days or more across the country will be £80 per parent per child if paid within 21 days, or £160 per parent per child if paid within 28 days. Further information can be found at ‘Fines for parents for taking children out of school: What you need to know’ on GOV.UK

To request leave of absence for exceptional circumstances during term time, a letter or email must be submitted to the Headteacher with as much notice as possible with the relevant proof such as flight tickets. A response will then be given, and the decision will be at the discretion of the headteacher.

From September 2024, you will also be invited to come into school for a meeting to discuss any holidays taken in term-time or term-time leave requests. Our attendance policy can be found on our website.

Yours sincerely,

Dan Foster 

Deputy Headteacher