Term-time holidays and leave of absence
Parents do not have an automatic right to take their children out of school for holidays, visits or occasions. Applications for leave of absence must be made to the head teacher, who will only approve leave in exceptional circumstances.
What are ‘exceptional circumstances’?
The head teacher will look at each request for leave on an individual basis and decide if the circumstances are exceptional. Permission will usually be given in the following situations:
- family trauma or crisis
- licensed child performances
- representative sports.
The following situations are not exceptional circumstances:
- taking advantage of cheap holiday deals
- family birthdays
- shopping, even for school uniform.
What if leave is taken without permission from the head teacher?
- the absence will be unauthorised
- the parent may be issued with a fixed-penalty notice
- the real loss is the disruption in learning.
What if a child cannot return to school on the expected date after an agreed leave of absence?
- the parent must contact the school as soon as possible and explain the reason for the delay
- the head teacher may ask for evidence of the delay
- there is a risk of losing the school place if the child does not return within 10 days of the agreed date.
If in doubt
- discuss your situation with the head teacher in good time
- do not make any arrangements or bookings without permission from the head teacher
- ask to speak to the school's Education Welfare Officer who can explain the law on school attendance.
Email this pageLast modified by: Ferzana Arif on 15/11/2010