Attendance/Absence procedure

The Department for Education has changed the guidance on holidays in term time. The amendments make clear that headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time, unless there are exceptional circumstances and that it is form Headteachers to decide what those exceptional circumstances are. For example, where there has been a family bereavement*

Should a parent decide to take any leave of absence in term time, this will be unauthorised and a penalty notice may be issued. From September 2013, penalty notices amount to £60 per parent, per child for unauthorised periods of absence and must be paid within 21 days or this will increase to £120 within 28 days.

Please put any requests for absence during term time, that are exceptional circumstances, in writing and drop the letter in at the School Office.

Regular and punctual attendance is vitally important to your child's education and progress. We monitor attendance closely .

*Announcement from the DfE on 26th October 2014 in response to recent news items:

. Term-time holidays should only be granted in exceptional circumstances

. There is no plan at all to change the policy and no U-turn.

. Headteachers have always been able to decide what exceptional circumstances are.

Every Day Counts, click on the link to see how lost days add up !