Term Time Absence Policy
This information is provided by Oldham Council and relates to requests for all absence from school (during term-time).
Introduction
Children of school-age who are registered at a school must attend that school every day. Regular attendance is important, not just because the law requires it but because it is the best way of ensuring that your child makes the most of the educational opportunities in order to achieve well. There may be occasions when a child has to miss school, e.g. because of illness. Parents must avoid taking their children out of school during term-time in order to go on holiday.
What the law says
From 1 September 2013, the new law gives no entitlement to parents to take their child on holiday in term time. It makes it clear that Head teachers may not grant any holidays or other absences during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances such as unique situations due to parents’ work/employment commitments which have been verified by the employer, where there has been a trauma or bereavement in the immediate family or there is an opportunity for a holiday for a terminally ill immediate family member.
Head teachers should determine the number of school days a child can be away from school if the leave is granted. Such leave is granted in accordance with arrangements made by the governing body of the school. 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.
Parents can receive a Penalty Notice from the Local Authority for taking their child on holiday in term time without the consent of school. From 1 September these Penalty Notices cost £60 per child per parent if paid within 21 days and £120 per child per parent if paid between 22 and 28 days.
Absence – exceptional circumstances
The Local Authority acknowledges that some parents may need to take their children out of school for a period of time outside the normal school holiday pattern. These occasions would be exceptional i.e.:
- serious illness to a close family relative
- bereavement of a close family relative
Please note that the fact a holiday is cheaper during term-time, does not constitute an exceptional circumstance.
Issues parents need to be aware of
If a parent takes their child on holiday/extended leave without the school’s permission, this will be counted as unauthorised absence. Parents of pupils whose absence is unauthorised can be guilty of a criminal offence and may be liable to either a Penalty Notice or Prosecution in the Magistrate’s Court.
For those children whose absence is agreed but remain absent for longer this extra time will also be recorded as unauthorised absence.
Finally We, like you, want the best for your child and believe that your child’s absence during term-time can seriously disrupt their educational achievement. Research shows that breaks of two weeks or more from school often leads to pupils falling behind in their work and some of these children never catch up. Please help us to minimise the amount of time your child is absent in school to maximise their learning opportunities.
Every school in Oldham has a named Education Attendance Service Officer, who can be contacted through the school or via Oldham Council.
The full 'Requests for all absence from school (during term-time)' fact sheet can be accessed by contacting Oldham Council in one of the following ways:
Tel: 0161 770 6620
Fax: 0161 770 3844
Email: sais@oldham.gov.uk
Write to: Education Attendance Service, Education Attendance Service Oldham Council, Civic Centre, West Street, Oldham, OL1 1UT