Exceptional Absence Leave Request (holiday form)

 

The law does not grant parents an automatic right to take their child out of school during term time. Any absence from school will disrupt your child’s learning. You may consider that a holiday will be educational but your child will miss out on the teaching that their classmates will receive during your holiday. Attendance is vital to academic success and lost education poses a potential risk of under achievement. This is something we all have a responsibility to avoid.

 

The Department of Education no longer allows Headteachers to grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. If you consider that your request for absence is exceptional you will need to complete the form attached to this notification. A response will be sent to you as soon as possible. If leave is not authorised and you nevertheless withdraw your child from school, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised absence. 

 

If you decide to take your child out of school, without permission, you will be committing an offence under the Education Act 1996.  We may refer the matter to Cornwall Council who as the issuing officer will may decide to take legal action against you.  A penalty notice can be issued under Section 444A and 444B of the Education Act 1996.  This carries a fine of £60 if paid within 21 days or £120 if paid after this but within 28 days.  Fines are issued per parent/carer, per child. Failure to pay the penalty notice may result in Court action. Persistent absences not authorised by the school may result in a prosecution in the Magistrates Court, leading to fines up to £2,500 and/or custodial sentences.

 

 

All requests must be completed on the attached form; letters will not be accepted. This form should be returned to the Headteacher at least 14 days before the start of the absence. 

 

I hope you will support our efforts in continuing our positive attendance and attainment at St Buryan Academy.