Leave of Absence

How do I apply?

You can apply by using this editable pdf and emailing it to office@bedgroveinfant.co.uk

Apply here:

BIS Leave of Absence form

Our School policy on leave of absence

The Headteacher can only authorise leave of absence in exceptional circumstances. Schools will take into account Government guidance when considering what the exceptional circumstances are.

Taking holidays in school time is not acceptable so please check term and holiday dates.

The following reasons are not considered to be exceptional circumstances:

• availability of cheap holidays
• availability of the desired accommodation
• poor weather experienced in school holiday periods
• periods overlapping with beginning or end of term
• If you take a leave of absence without the permission of the school or if your child fails to return by the agreed date if permission was granted, then this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence and noted in your child’s record.

If your child has not returned within 10 days of the expected date of return then, after consultation with the Local Authority, the school may take your child off their school roll.

What if my application for leave of absence gets declined?

You may still take your child out of school but it will be marked an unathorised absence.

Fines

Penalty Notice Fines for School Attendance has changed.

First Offence

The first time a Penalty Notice is issued for Term Time Leave or Irregular Attendance the amount will be:

£160 per parent, per child if paid within 28 days. Reduced to £80 per parent, per child if paid with 21 days.

Second Offence (within 3 years)

The second time a Penalty Notice is issued for Term Time Leave or Irregular Attendance the amount will be:

£160 per parent, per child to be paid within 28 days. No reduced rate will be offered.

Third Offence and any Further Offences (within 3 years)

The third time an offence is committed for Term Time Leave or Irregular Attendance a Penalty Notice will not be issued, and the case will be presented straight to the Magistrates Court Magistrates; fines can be up to £2500 per parent, per child.

Cases found guilty in Magistrates Court can show on a Parents future DBS certificate, due to failure to safeguard a child’s education.

10 Sessions (5 Days) of Unauthorised Absence in a 10-Week Period

Penalty Notice Fines will be considered when there has been 10 sessions of unauthorised absence in a 10-week period.

What parents or carers can do

You should request time off for your child as soon as possible and always 4 weeks before the leave of absence.

However, please do not expect the school to grant your request unless there are exceptional circumstances. It is important to carefully consider the implications of taking your child out of school during term time.

There are 190 statutory school days a year. There are 175 other days (weekends and school holidays) available which would not have a negative effect on your child’s education.

By taking your child out of school for a leave of absence you may be giving them an unspoken message that school does not matter.

Some children may find it difficult to renew friendships with other pupils when they return to school.

When you should avoid taking your child out of school. Especially avoid taking your child out of school:

• close to, or during, examinations
• when valuable group work with other pupils is taking place that cannot be repeated
  if your child needs help in certain subjects to access all the education support that is offered
• during the Induction Week when your child transfers from one school phase to another and needs to familiarise themselves with the new school layout
• during the first year in a new school when pupils may experience problems settling in