Holidays in Term Time
The law does not give any entitlement to parents to take their child on holiday during term-time. Any application for leave of absence must only be granted in exceptional circumstances; this does not include cheaper holidays available in term-time. The Head Teacher and governors must be satisfied that the circumstances warrant the granting of leave. This measure has been introduced to support the Government drive to improve attendance.
The Government expects...
Schools to:
- ensure every pupil has access to the full-time education to which they are entitled.
- act early to address patterns of absence and lateness.
Parents and Carers to:
- perform their legal duty by ensuring their children of compulsory school age who are registered at school attend regularly.
- ensure all pupils to be on time for the start of the school day at 8:55 am
The Governors of all Gateshead Catholic Primary Schools have agreed to adopt the statutory legislation and the standard practice of not authorising any holidays during term-time effective from September 2013.
If parents and carers, contrary to what the Governors have said, still decide to take their child out of school then the absence will be recorded as unauthorised.
Any requests for leave of absence must be made in writing at least 4 weeks prior to the absence required and this will be considered by Governors on an individual basis. However, requests will only be granted in the case of exceptional circumstances.
Click HERE to download a LEAVE OF ABSENCE REQUEST FORM
Please complete the relevant sections of the above form and send a copy of the completed form to stagnescatholicprimaryschool@gateshead.gov.uk for the attention of Mrs Woods (Headteacher)
