We seek to work in partnership with parents to ensure that each child’s experience is one that will enable them to make good progress by building on the skills and talents within a continuous and consistent learning environment. If together we are to achieve this aim, regular attendance at school is vital and full parental support and co-operation in this matter is necessary.
School attendance regulations changed on 1st September 2013 under Education (Pupil Registration) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 which amends the previous 2006 regulations.
As a result of the new government legislation Headteachers are no longer able to allow any absence for the purpose of a holiday during term time. Any holiday in term time will be treated as unauthorised.
Our cluster of schools (CCS, Wootton Primary School, Woodland View Primary School and Preston Hedge’s Primary School) have now adopted a common policy which you can find on our website. It is still possible for parents to ask school to authorise an absence for an exceptional circumstance (such as a wedding day, a music exam, etc). The form for this can be found on our website and is common to all schools in the cluster.
The new legislation allows local authorities to fine parents if holidays are taken in term time. The Local Authority has indicated a fine structure of £60 per parent per child per absence. For a lone parent with one child, this would be £60. For two parents with two children, this would be £240.
I realise that this change in the legislation may prove difficult and inconvenient for some parents. However, this is a government change which schools have no choice over – holidays in term-time can no longer be authorised. The aim is to improve overall attendance figures and reduce the lost days of education which can affect a child’s progress. Parents wishing to challenge the legislation will need to take this up with their local MP or with the Department for Education.
