Absence From School During Term Time
Legal Background and DfE Guidelines
While schools are required to consider parental requests for absence from school in term time, it still remains the legal duty of parents to ensure the regular attendance of a child of compulsory school age. Failure to do so could result in the local authority issuing a penalty notice or prosecuting the parents in the magistrates court.
DfE guidelines clearly state that absence from school can be taken in exceptional circumstances, and this means that the parent must make a strong case for taking a child out of school in an academic year. Exceptional circumstances must be explained fully to the school who will then consider the request. Any medical appointments/procedures during school time are always authorised but the school does require evidence, such as appointment cards or letters.
Parents should not expect that schools would automatically agree to an absence from school during term time. All requests are at the discretion of the principal and can only be authorised by the principal or the member of staff with designated authority in the absence of the principal.
Illness and Appointments
Please call the office before 8:45 a.m. on 01225 702544 if your child is going to be absent due to illness. If your child has sickness or diarrhoea, the 48 Hours Rule applies. Please ensure that you seek medical advice if you have any concerns about your child’s health.
What if I'm Late to Collect my Child?
Ring the school office on 01225 702544 to inform us that you will be late and give a time of your arrival.
Please remember it is important that you bring your child to school on time and collect them on time.
Appointments and Holidays
Doctors, Dental, and Hospital Appointments
Please try to book any appointments outside school hours. It is really important that interruptions to your child’s learning are kept to a minimum. We understand that there are occasions when appointment times are out of your control.
Holidays
It is our aim and belief that children should never miss a day of learning. That is why we do not authorise holidays in term time and always follow up absence from the first day.
Request for Absence — Key Points for Parents
- Request for absence during term time will not be authorised.
- Any requests for the purpose of visiting family, attending family occasions, or celebrations will not be authorised.
- Parents are at risk of receiving a penalty notice for unauthorised absence. This is a fine of £60 per parent, per child, if paid within 21 days or £120 if paid within 28 days.
- If a pupil's attendance is below 95% and the request for absence is more than 5 days, parents may be prosecuted.
- If prosecuted and found guilty, the parent faces a punishment of a fine of up to £2,500 and/or 3 months' imprisonment.
- Request for absence of 10 days or more may result in pupils being removed from the school register.
- If a pupil is removed from the school register: A - the pupil cannot return to school. B - parents will need to register their child with the local authority to apply for a new school place.