REQUESTING A LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Headteachers cannot authorise any leave of absence during term time unless they are satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances to warrant the granting of leave. 

Please read our Attendance Policy for further detail (see below).

It is important to note that:

• exceptional circumstances are by definition, rare and should not reoccur annually. Unfortunately, the cost of holidays or availability of accommodation in school holiday times cannot be taken into consideration.

• ‘surprise’ holidays booked by another family member are unlikely to be authorised and may incur a penalty notice; please inform other family members of this legislation.

• ensure that a leave of absence for your child has been authorised prior to booking the holiday.

• ensure that the leave of absence request form is only filled in by the parent with whom the child usually resides. If mum and dad live separately, a request form may come from both parents only if there is a 50/50 custody agreement.

There is Local Authority application form for a leave of absence (click on link below). On this form you will need to provide information regarding the exceptional circumstances supporting this application for leave. Each application will be considered by the headteacher. Once our decision is made, you will be informed whether the leave is authorised or unauthorised and the reasons for our decision. Your form will be held in our records.

We hope all parents will acknowledge and understand the limitations placed on schools in granting any leave in term time. We need parental support to ensure that we can avoid going down the route of using penalty notices; so please only request leave in term time if the circumstances are exceptional. We ask our parents to support the school in our efforts to reduce unnecessary absence and thus minimise the impact on the education of our pupils.