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Putteridge Primary School

Putteridge Primary School

Leave of Absence Regulations (inlcuding Attendance Policy)

Following guidance from the Local Authority (LA) and Central Government, the following outline the National regulations about term time leave of absence.

The regulations state that there should be no term time leave of absence granted except in ‘..exceptional circumstances..’

‘..exceptional circumstances..’ are being defined as, for example, a serving member of HM forces returning from overseas on leave and wishing to take the family on a short break. Family weddings and holidays with family members etc. would not fall into this category.

The Local Authority are now fining all incidents of unauthorised absence at the rate of £60 per child, per  parent, per period of absence via a penalty notice which has to be paid within 21 days. After this time the fine increases to £120 per child, per parent, per period of absence. The Local Authority routinely prosecutes parents where a penalty notice is not paid.

No term time leave of absence will be granted for holidays or family weddings etc.

School days are precious; children only attend school 190 out of 365 days. There are 175 days a year which parents can use for any activities other than school.

Applications for Leave of Absence

If you think you do have a case to be considered for leave of absence, a request must be made in advance or the absence cannot legally be authorised even if deemed to be exceptional circumstances.

All requests must be made at least two weeks in advance to the Headteacher by completing the school application form (either from the school office or via the school website).   A parent/adult with whom the child resides must make the application even though the pupil may not be taking the proposed leave with them.

The form must be fully completed and you will receive a written response confirming if the request will be authorised or not.

If leave is granted and you are travelling abroad, you will need to supply us with confirmation of your return flight tickets, such as bringing a copy of the flight tickets into the school reception for us to copy.

Please contact the school office if you have any queries relating to these regulations.

Please note; these are National regulations that the school are obliged to enforce.