DfE Guidance

Amendments to the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 removed reference to ‘Family Holidays’ and extended leave as well as the statutory threshold of ten school days. Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence unless there are exceptional circumstances, Headteachers should determine the number of school days a child can be away from school if the leave is granted.  Such permission is granted in accordance with arrangements made by the governing body of the school.

There is no automatic right to any holiday in term time.

Advice is available to schools from the Attendance Support Team.

Leave of absence must be requested from and agreed by the Headteacher in advance of any absence.  If approved, the absence is registered as ‘H’ code, authorised and if not approved but still taken, registered as ‘G’ code, unauthorised.  Schools should have documentation in place to use when dealing with requests for any leave, the Attendance Support Team will provide sample documentation to all Telford & Wrekin schools. This provides parents/carers with information about the possible consequences of taking leave that has not been authorised. Schools should display information on their website.

The DfE guidance about holidays in term time makes the following points:

• each request can only be judged on a case by case basis;

• even in exceptional circumstances it is expected that Headteachers will use their discretion sparingly;

• Headteachers should not apply policies (for example, blanket bans) which might suggest that each application has not been considered on its individual merits;

• as a general guide any activity, holiday or event that can be arranged during the annual 13 week holiday time should not be authorised during the school term.