Attendance

 

The following is an extract from the most recent guidance on leave during term time for pupils:

 

"For some time now the LEA and schools have had some concerns, and indeed some interesting dialogue, about the growing propensity for parents to take their children on vacation, or to make extended visits, usually to family abroad, during term time. It certainly seems like this is a rising trend. Many schools are becoming increasingly worried about the effect on pupil's education; both for the individual, but also on others, who may suffer as a result of continual disruptions."

 

Family Holidays in Term Time

Parents (which includes carers) have the primary responsibility for ensuring that children of compulsory school age receive a suitable education, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise (Education Act 1966 Section 7). It is the responsibility of the LEA to ensure that parents meet these responsibilities. Attendance enforcement is carried out by the LEA's Education Welfare Service.

 

Parents should not normally take pupils on holiday in term time. They have no legal "right" as such to do so. Agreement to each request for holiday absence (or indeed any leave of absence) is at the discretion of the Headteacher, acting on behalf of his/her Governing Body. It should be considered by the Headteacher taking account of:-

• the age of the pupil
• the time of year proposed for the trip
• the nature of the trip and parental wishes
• the overall attendance patterns of the pupil, including previous such requests
• the need to challenge the change behaviour
• the pupil's stage of education and progress
• the holiday is with a parent/carer

If a school does not agree absence and the pupil goes on holiday anyway, the absence is unauthorised. A school should only agree absence up to 10 school days in a school year (but should not regard 10 days as the norm). Each case should be dealt with on its merit in line with the above considerations. There is no expectation that leave will be granted by the Headteacher automatically. The spirit of the guidance suggests that parents have a right to ask, and Headteachers have a duty to consider the request equitably and in line with the guidance.

 

It is unauthorised leave tht the Government has recently suggested parents will be fined for. Accordingly we have revised our Leave of Absence procedure, and proforma. Please ensure any request is for unavoidable reasons only.

 

Request for Unavoidable Leave of Absence

(Form to be returned to the School Office)

Leave of absence can only be given in accordance with statutory criteria. Essex County Council designates "holiday" and term dates. Absence during term time must be explained by letter and can only be authorised by the school. A maximum of 10 school days in any academic year is allowed for reasons other than religion, illness or medical treatment such as hospital, doctor or dentis visits. Special circumstances apply if a family suffers bereavement. Taking "holidays" in term time results in children missing vital curriculum input. This may mean your child misses a block of work in an aspect of the curriculum, which cannot then be made up. It is not possible for the school to provide work for children to take on holiday to complete. Any request will have to be agreed by the classteacher, SENCo (if your child is on the SEN register) and Headteacher.

 

Please ensure that your child is only absent for unavoidable reasons. Absence over 10 days has to be classed as unauthorised.

 

Click below to view/download a Leave of Absence Form.