Appendix 3b

School letter sample when leave in term time has not been requested

(Both) Parents name and address

Date:

Dear  (both parents names)

Re: (Child’s name & date of birth)

Thank you for advising us you were on holiday with (pupil’s name) and he would be absent until the ??/??/?? or School are aware that you have taken (pupil’s name) on holiday and no request for the leave during term time was made.

As you may be aware the government has renewed appeals to parents not to take their children out of school during term time.  The Governors of the school support this and have decided that students will only be given permission to take leave in term time if there are exceptional circumstances. On this occasion, as school have not received a request for absence, the associated legislation does not allow for retrospective permission to be granted, therefore, the absence during (the dates) will be unauthorised.

As a school we are asked to inform you that, in line with Telford and Wrekin Council Policy, unauthorised absence may be subject to a penalty notice fine of £60 payable per parent, per child, increasing to £120 each if not paid within 21 days.  If this fine is not paid within 28 days this may lead to court proceedings which could ultimately result in a fine of up to £2500 and/or up to three months imprisonment.

Our key priority is to ensure that (pupil’s name) is as successful as possible and is able to achieve his/her full potential.  I would hope that upon reflection you are able to support this decision in line with the local authority and government policy that leave should be restricted to the 13 weeks school holidays except in exceptional circumstances.

I have attached a copy of (pupil’s name) attendance for this academic year.

Thank you for your understanding; I hope this letter explains the decision that has been made.

Yours sincerely

(Name)

(Job title)