Late/Absence Procedures

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Application for Leave of Absence

Leave of absence

The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 allowed headteachers to grant leave of absence for the purpose of a family holiday during term time in “special circumstances” of up to ten school days leave per year. Headteachers could also grant extended leave for more than ten school days in exceptional circumstances.

Amendments to the 2006 regulations removed references to family holiday and extended leave as well as the statutory threshold of ten school days. The amendments make clear that headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.Headteachers should determine the number of school days a child can be away from school if the leave is granted.

It is important that schools discourage parents from removing their children from education for any reason as absences may have a negative impact on the pupil’s educational attainment and progress. A pupil who takes 10 days absence will only attain 94.7% attendance in the year. 10 days absence also means the pupil will miss 50 hours of education.

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