Term-Time Holidays

The Facts
We recognise that it is often expensive to take a holiday during school breaks and this is one of the reasons why some parents may ask for term-time leave for their child. However, it is important that parents carefully consider the implications of taking their child out of school during term time.

Term-Time Holidays The Law

The law says that parents do not have an automatic right to take their child out of school for holidays during term-time. Schools can say No! Schools may authorise, in exceptional circumstances in advance, a request for a period of leave of up to ten days in any year. The request for leave must come from a parent with whom the child normally resides, and must be for the purpose of an annual family holiday. If the school does not authorise an absence in term time for the purpose of an annual family holiday, then the school is required to notify the LA if holiday is taken and a Penalty Notice may be issued. If a child then stays away from school for more than ten days this must be recorded as unauthorised absence and could be quoted in a prosecution for poor attendance. If the child is away from school for a total of four weeks or more, the school may have to take the child off roll unless there is a good reason for the continued absence, such as illness. In these circumstances it is up to the parent to inform the school as once removed from roll, there is no guarantee that the child will regain a place at the same school.

Term-Time Holidays
The Decision
When deciding whether to allow term-time leave, school will give consideration to: The childs age The time and duration of the leave The childs record of attendance Previous term-time leave

Research suggests that children who are taken out of school may never catch up on important work they have missed. This may affect test results and can be particularly harmful if the child is studying for final year examinations.

What you should consider

There are times during a school year when a child may experience particular problems because of term-time leave such as: Close to exams or tests for example Standard Attainment Test in year Two, Six and Nine During GCSE, A level and other examination courses During the first year at a new school At the beginning of a new school term

Children who struggle with English or Mathematics may also find it even harder to cope when they return to school, while younger children may find it difficult to renew friendships with their classmates.

Attending to Achieve

If the school refuses a request for term-time leave and the child is still taken out of school, this will be recorded as unauthorised absence and a Penalty Notice may be issued by the Local Authority. A separate notice will be issued to each parent for each child. A Penalty Notice is a fine of 50 if paid between 1 28 days after issue increasing to 100 if paid between 29 42 days.

If you wish to contact the Education Welfare Officer for your childs school you may do so by leaving a message for him/her at the school. Alternatively please contact the local Education Welfare Office as detailed below. Civic Centre North Walk Barnstaple EX31 1EG Tel: 01271 388548

Children & Young Peoples Services

This leaflet has been produced: Education Welfare Service Great Moor House Bittern Road, Sowton Exeter Tel: 01392 383903

Great Moor House Bittern Road, Exeter EX2 7NL Tel: 01392 383903

Redworth House Ashburton Road Totnes TQ9 5JZ Tel: 01392 386810

Term Time Holidays

Information For Parents

Revised Sept 2010