If your child continues to be absent from school (without permission), the school may decide to remove them from their roll unless their absence can be explained.
Each primary and secondary school has an Education Welfare Officer who can advise you on issues relating to your child’s attendance at school, including taking holidays in term time, bullying, Penalty Notices and other legal action which may be taken.
Term-time holidays – the facts
We recognise that it often costs more to go on holidays during school holiday periods. Because of this, we know that sometimes parents or carers may ask if they can take their children out of school during term time so that they can take them away on holiday. However, it is important that parents and carers consider carefully the implications of taking their child out of school during term-time.
Taking your children out of school may affect their education, for example:
- They may find it difficult to catch up on work they’ve missed – for example, if they need to complete any GCSE coursework or if they’re due to take any exams or tests (SATs etc.)
- Sometimes, if children already struggle with subjects such as maths or English, they may find it even more difficult after they come back from holiday.
- Younger children may find it difficult to get back into their friendship groups after a break.
- Missing time during the first year at a new school or the beginning of a term can lead to problems, for example, knowing what to bring to lessons, timetable mix-ups, making new friends etc.
Term-time holidays – the law
Under current law, parents or carers do not have an automatic right to take their children out of school for holidays during term-time – they must apply to the school’s headteacher.
The headteacher can grant up to 10 days ‘leave’ (or ‘authorised absence’) in any one school year, but only in special circumstances. Only in exceptional circumstances, can a parent or carer ask for more than ten days leave in any one school year.
Term-time holidays – the decision
In deciding whether to allow parents or carers to take their children out of school for holidays in term time, the headteacher will consider factors such as: How old the child is, their attendance record and ability, as well as the number of days requested and if you have asked for any term time ‘leave’ before.
Other factors the school will take into consideration includes:
- Whether SATs or other exams are coming up.
- Holidays which have previously been requested
The following reasons will not normally be considered as special circumstances:
- availablility of cheap holidays
- availability of accommodation
- better weather
- overlap with the beginning or end of term
If your child misses school without permission or if permission has been asked for but not been given, it will be marked as an unauthorised absence in the register and could result in the issuing of a Penalty Notice (fine) or other legal action being taken against you. Unauthorised absence will also be recorded if your child is off for longer than the agreed period of time.
For more information on the issues covered or to receive a copy of any of our other leaflets, please contact the Education Welfare Service.
Other leaflets available:
- Legal proceedings for school nonattendance: information for parents and carers
- Penalty notices for non-attendance at school: information and advice for parents and carers
- The importance of your child’s attendance at school
