Holidays in Term-Time & Penalty Notices

You have to get permission from the Head Teacher if you want to take your child out of school during term time. 

You can only do this if:

• You make an application to the Head Teacher in advance 
• There are exceptional circumstances

The Department of Education issued to schools that as of September 2013 holidays in term time should only be authorised if there are “exceptional” circumstances.

The school Head Teacher will determine whether the circumstances are exceptional or not.  Please note that there is no automatic right to take a holiday in term time.  The Head Teacher will decide how many days your child can be away from school if leave is granted.

Should you feel that you have “exceptional” reasons for applying, please contact your child’s school at the earliest opportunity and use the appropriate school form.  Whilst the cost of a holiday might be an issue it is not considered to be sufficient to be an exceptional reason.

Please be aware that unauthorised holiday absence of 5 days or more can now result in the issuing of a Penalty Notice.  The first penalty notice issued to a parent will be charged at £80 if paid within 21 days. This will be increased to £160 if paid within 28 days.  A second penalty notice issued to the same parent in respect of the same pupil is charged at a flat rate of £160 if paid within 28 days. A third penalty notice cannot be issued to the same parent in respect of the same child within 3 years of the date of issue of the first. In a case where the national threshold is met for a third time (or subsequent times) within those 3 years, alternative action will be taken instead. 

If a penalty notice is not paid then the Parents may be prosecuted in the Magistrates Court. In some cases, a Penalty notice will not be offered at all and the matter referred immediately for Prosecution. Upon conviction the following sentences can be imposed:

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