Amendments to the 2006 regulations, which came into force from 1st September 2013, remove references to family holiday and extended leave as well as the statutory threshold of ten school days. The amendments make clear that Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.

 

The Department for Education and Southend Borough Council (the Local Authority) are working with schools to reduce the number of children missing school. Absence from school impacts on a child’s ability to make good progress and achieve their full potential. It is parent/carers responsibility to ensure their child(ren) attends school.

 

Schools can refuse your request to take your child out of school as the law does not grant parents an automatic right to take their child out of school for holidays during the term time.

 

You must apply for permission in ‘exceptional circumstances’ at least 4 weeks in advance, or as soon as possible in an emergency.

 

The school will consider:

· The evidence of the ‘exceptional circumstances’ for taking leave during term time

· Your child’s record of progress, attendance and punctuality.

 

If the child is still taken out of school, this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence, which is ‘truancy.’