The Department of Education have issued guidance relating to children's attendance at school. All Headteachers are required by law to adhere to these new regulations. A summary is below:
- The reference to family holiday and extended leave, as well as the statutory threshold of ten school days has been removed.
- Parents do not have a legal right to take children out of school.
- Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.
See the more detailed guidance using the link below. The guidance states that you should not normally take your children on holiday during term time. If you have an exceptional circumstance requiring term time leave of absence for a pupil, you must complete the school's Absence Request Form as far in advance as possible. The amendments make clear that Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time, except in exceptional circumstances. Therefore, if a holiday that you request is not authorised you are advised not to take your child out of school as absences will be marked in the school register as Unauthorised.
Whilst Leave of Absence may be granted during term time, it is not a parental right, and the school will consider each application individually. The Governors of Penponds school will fully support the Headteacher in complying with this DfE guidance.
