Term Time Leave
Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.
There is no entitlement in law for pupils to take time off during the term to go on holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure or recreation, or to take part in protest activity in school hours. In addition, the Supreme Court has ruled that the definition of regular school attendance is “in accordance with the rules prescribed by the school.” Headteachers have the discretion to authorise leave of absence only in exceptional circumstances and it is only for the Headteacher to determine what is truly exceptional, irrespective of the child’s overall attendance.
Education is vital in securing the very best future for children and this is impacted on significantly by prolonged absence. Children only attend school for 190 out of 365 days. There are 175 days a year which parents/carers can use for any activities other than school.
Applications for Leave of Absence Requests must be made in advance.
All requests must be made at least two weeks in advance to the Headteacher by completing the school application form. The form must be fully completed and you will receive a written response confirming if the request will be authorised or not. If leave is granted and you are travelling abroad you will need to supply the school with booking details and confirmation of your return flight. The school will not provide any work for children to do during their absence. Parents are however advised to read with their children and encourage them to write a diary while they are away.
If you take your child out of school without the school's prior authorisation the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. Where a parent/carer has taken their child on unauthorised leave of absence during term time for 5 consecutive school days or more the Luton Borough Council Attendance Support Team (previously known as Education Welfare Service) may issue a fine and as such each parent/carer will be subject to a Penalty Notice for £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days (for the first offence). A second Penalty Notice issued within a three year period will result in a fine of £160 per parent, per child. If a third offence is committed the matter may be referred to the local authority for consideration of prosecution via the Magistrates Court. If prosecution is instigated for irregular school attendance, each parent may receive a fine of up to £2500 and/or up to 3 months in prison. If a parent is found guilty in court, they will receive a criminal conviction.
If 20 days or more of unauthorised absence is taken, your child may be removed from our school roll as a Child Missing from Education (CME) and be referred to the Child Missing from Education team and the Education Welfare Officer (EWO), as guidelines say that a school is able to remove pupils from roll who have 20 days or more of unauthorised absence. You would then need to re-apply for another school place.