REMINDER FOR PARENTS
Leave Of Absence during Term Time
As you will all be aware , current attendance regulations stipulate a Headteacher may not grant a leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances .
Each application for a leave of absence will be considered on a case by case basis and on its own merits .
It is for the Headteacher to decide what she views as ‘ exceptional ’ and it is at her discretion if the circumstances warrant the leave to be granted . If the leave is granted , the Headteacher is able to determine the number of school days a child can be absent for .
The school can only consider Leave of Absence requests which are made by the ‘ resident ’ parent .
Where applications for leave of absence are made in advance and refused , the child will be required to be in school on the dates set out in the application . If the child is absent during that period , it will be recorded as an unauthorised absence , which may result in legal action being taken against the parent ( s ), by way of a Fixed Penalty Notice .
Failure to make an application for leave in advance can also result in a Fixed Penalty Notice being issued to the parent ( s ).
Where a Fixed Penalty Notice is issued and not paid within the required timeframe as set out on the notice , the matter will be referred to Warwickshire County Council ’ s Legal Services to consider instigating criminal proceedings under S444 Education Act 1996 .
Parents are asked to respect the new regulations under which the school must work and if there is a need to take a child out of school during term-time , an application or request must be made in advance and make clear how the circumstances are exceptional .