In order to comply with DfE regulations, Ravenshead C of E Primary School will not authorise a request for

absence in term time for the purpose of taking a holiday. This includes:

• Holidays during term time.

• Day trips or long weekends.

• Children accompanying parent/carers on business trips.

(This is not an exhaustive list.)

Parents/carers may still request a withdrawal from learning in term time.

• Requests should be made as soon as possible, giving at least 4 weeks’ notice in writing.
• Parents/carers will be notified of the decision in term time by writing within 10 school days of the application.
• Should you choose to withdraw your child from school for an unauthorised holiday a penalty notice may be issued.

If the school has evidence that a parent/carer has removed a child from school for the purposes of a holiday

during term time without submitting a withdrawal from learning request, this will be marked as unauthorised

in the register. Your child’s attendance will be reviewed a penalty notice may be issued.

No parent/carer can demand leave of absence as of right. The school will have discretion to authorise

exceptional absences for off-site activities and special circumstances (each case will be assessed on an

individual basis) and the special position of 'Traveller Families' recognised by Section 199 of the Education

Act 1993 will be observed.

As a general principle, the Headteacher will consider each request for a withdrawal from learning

individually, taking into account the circumstances, such as:

• The nature of the event for which leave is sought.

• Whether the parent gave advance notice (a minimum of four weeks).

• The child’s current attendance levels.

However, the reason would still need to be exceptional.

If an absence is unauthorised there is no appeals process.

Attendance Protocols

• Notify school on the first day of absence by phone to explain the reasons for the absence.
• Notify school, by phone, on subsequent days of the absence to provide updates.  School may waive this requirement where it is known that the absence may be prolonged.
• School may request medical evidence where absence is 5 days or longer.
• Should the absence not be authorised, school will instigate procedures for concerns regarding attendance.
• Where it becomes known that the absence is for a previously undisclosed holiday, school may request that the Local Authority issue a Fixed Penalty Notice.

Nationally, good attendance is defined as above 95% and children whose attendance falls below this level will not be able to fulfil their educational potential. Poor attendance is defined as below 90%.  It is our mission to ensure that every child has access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to engage positively with the school.  It is important to us that all children are able to enjoy a feeling of belonging to their class and school community and good attendance only promotes this.

Where school has concerns about patterns of absence or punctuality over a 6 week period the following will apply:

Parents/Carers will be sent a letter and a copy of the child’s attendance record to explain any issues and to request improvement.

If the concerns persist:

Contact will be made with parents/carers to request a meeting to discuss the concerns and to agree a resolution.

If the concerns persist:

School will refer the case to the Attendance Officer. An Attendance Plan will be completed. Future attendance will be closely monitored.

If the concerns persist:

School will refer the case to the LA’s Targeted Support and may request that the Local Authority issue a Fixed Penalty Notice.

For the full Absence and Attendance Policy, please click the link below: