Term time Leave of Absence

Amendments have been made to the 2006 regulations in the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2013

This means Head Teachers can only grant leave of absence during term time in “extraordinary circumstances” and only then at the Head Teacher’s discretion. The Supreme Court Ruling of April 2017  makes clear that ‘extraordinary circumstances’ do not include holidays. It also means that:

• The power to un/authorise leave belongs to the Head Teacher.
• Parents CAN NOT demand leave of absence as an automatic right.

Amendments to the 2006 regulations remove references to family holiday and extended leave as well as the statutory threshold of ten school days.

There are clear links between children’s attendance and their attainment.  A child absent from school for two school weeks each year will miss the equivalent of two terms’ education over their school career. A parent who takes a child out of school without absence being authorised can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £60.

Letters to Parents

Osbaldwick Primary Academy informed parents/carers of the changes to the rules to be applied from 1st September 2013 in the following letters.

• Leave of Absence Form