The law states that parents do not have the right to take their child out of school, for holidays, during term-time.
It is important that parents consider the following implications of taking their child out of school during term-time
- children may find it difficult to 'catch up' on course work they have missed
- struggle to renew friendships
- it is particularly detrimental to a child studying for SATs and final year exams
Parents/carers must apply to the Headteacher in good time for permission to take children out of school during term-time. Where unforseen events occur (e.g. bereavement) parents/carers are still required to contact the school to request leave of absence
As part of the application process parents/carers are expected to demonstrate a willingness to make arrangements that cause the least disruption to their child's learning. This might involve:
- wrapping days of absence around existing school holiday periods to minimise time out of school
- consider whether it is wholly appropriate for a child/young person to accompany adults in some circumstances
- weighing the benefits to the family against detriment to the educational process
- avoiding entirely periods of public examination and National Curriculum Assessments
- making arrangements to complete course-work or curriculum work, if an extended period of absence is sought.
