It is really important all children are in school every day during term time. National pupil outcome data shows that children with the highest attainment at Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4, have the higher rates of attendance than those with the lowest attainment. Being in school provides children with the best chance of academic achievement and therefore increases the choices available to them as they get older.

The government has issued updated guidance for schools ‘Working together to improve school attendance- May 2022’ and it reiterates that term time absence will only be granted in exceptional circumstances, confirming that ‘it is unlikely a leave of absence will be granted for the purposes of a family holiday.’

The law on school attendance and right to a full-time education

9. The law entitles every child of compulsory school age to an efficient, full-time education suitable to their age, aptitude, and any special educational need they may have. It is the legal responsibility of every parent to make sure their child receives that education either by attendance at a school or by education otherwise than at a school.

10. Where parents decide to have their child registered at school, they have an additional legal duty to ensure their child attends that school regularly. This means their child must attend every day that the school is open, except in a small number of allowable circumstances such as being too ill to attend or being given permission for an absence in advance from the school.

‘Working together to improve school attendance’ DFE, May 2022

As such, penalty notices may be issued for unauthorised term time holidays or persistent absence from school and parents need to be aware of this if they are planning on taking their children out of school. Currently, the fine stands at £60 per parent, per child, and these are issued by the local authority- the money does not come to school.

To request term time holiday, parents or carers need to complete a 'Request to take absence in term time form' (Appendix 4 in the Attendance Policy below).

Supporting families: Educational Welfare Officer (EWO)

Educational Welfare Officer: Claire Smout

We have an Educational Welfare Officer, Claire Smout, who supports the school and families with attendance. Where we have concerns or the EWO suggests improvements are needed for individuals, Mrs Smout may visit the home or arrange a meeting with parents. This could be if holidays are taken during term time or if a pupil has a high level of absence from school for any reason. We will always work with families to improve attendance, however support and engagement from parents and carers is fundamental in enabling this to happen.

If you want to find out more, the government guidance can be found through this link:

Working together to improve school attendance (publishing.service.gov.uk)