Approved Absence from School

Pupil Attendance Leave of Absence Form

Examples of when a child of compulsory school age can, and cannot take authorised time out from school during term time (The schools’ published dates)

Approved education activity

Time out of school to take part in:

Sporting activity
Educational visits
Work experience
Courses in other establishments

is recorded as the child being present, even though the pupil is not physically on the school premises.

Authorised absence

Absence will be authorised for:

Sickness
Unavoidable medical/dental appointments
Days of religious observance
Exceptional family circumstances

Whenever possible, please make medical/dental appointments outside of school hours.

Unauthorised absence

Absence will not be authorised for:

Shopping
Looking after family members
Minding the house
Birthdays or similar events
Any work (paid or unpaid) undertaken in school hours
Family holidays unless there are “exceptional circumstances”

The law

The law says that parents do not have the right to take their child out of school for holidays during term time.

In exceptional circumstances, however, schools can allow parents to take their child out of class for an agreed reason.

We are bound by the Essex Code of Conduct on Penalty Notices

The school may also decide to take the child off roll unless there is a good reason for the continued absence, such as illness. In these circumstances the parent must tell the school about the reason for the continued absence as soon as possible.

The decision

When deciding whether to allow term time leave, consideration is given to:

Any reasons given as to why the holiday is important and can only happen in school time
The child’s age
The time and duration of leave
The child’s record of attendance
The child’s ability
Previous term time leave

What you should consider

There are times during a school year when a child may experience particular problems because of term time leave such as:

Close to exams or tests.
During GCSE and other examination courses.
During the first year at a new school.
At the beginning of a new school term.

If the school refuses a request for term time leave and the child is still taken out of school, this will be recorded as unauthorised absence and noted in the child’s record.

Requesting leave of absence

If you wish to ask for permission to take your child out of school for a an activity not covered by those listed as approved then please complete the Approved Absence permission form. This needs to be completed and returned, giving at least 2 weeks’ notice.