It is a legal requirement for parents/carers to obtain the permission of the Headteacher before removing their child from school in order to take any leave in term time.  Parents do not have an automatic right to take their children out of school for leave during term time and may be issued with a Penalty Notice (£120 per parent per child) if they do so without prior arrangement with the Headteacher.  The legislation only allows the Headteacher to authorise such leave in exceptional circumstances.

To apply for a child to be granted leave from school parents should complete this form and return it to school for consideration well in advance of the proposed leave and before committing to any expense.  Upon receipt of a request the Headteacher will make a decision as to whether to authorise the absence, being mindful of government regulations and Academy guidance.  By definition, exceptional trips should not occur regularly.

Where school have concerns about the leave request, the Headteacher or their representative will arrange to meet with you to discuss your application.  Please see overleaf for factors that may be taken into account by school when considering a request for leave.

ADDITIONAL FACTORS FOR CONSIDERATION

Pupils attend school for a maximum of 190 days each academic year.  Regular attendance is vital for your child’s educational progress.  Rendell Primary School expects that all parents/carers ensure their children attend school whenever possible.  Absence during school time is largely prohibited by regulation and hinders academic progress.  Even in exceptional circumstances, the following factors may be taken into account when considering an application for leave:

• Will leave at this point be detrimental to the pupil’s education?
• Will he/she miss any national tests or examinations?
• Is his/her attendance a cause for concern?
• Is the proposed absence during the month of September or any other transitional period?
• Has he/she already had leave during term time this year?
• Did he/she have any leave of absence during term time in the previous school year(s)?
• Does he/she have any absences which have been recorded as unauthorised this year?