Holidays during term-time and authorised absence from school
You are required under the Education Act (1996) to ensure your child attends school regularly.
There is, however, a discretionary power held by headteachers to authorise absence in exceptional circumstances.
Can I take my child out of school for a family holiday?
No. Headteachers cannot and will not authorise school (or other educational establishment) absence purely for the reason of a family holiday. If you feel you have an exceptional circumstance you must speak to your headteacher prior to making any arrangements or taking any absence.
Parents are legally responsible for ensuring their children receive education in accordance with section 7 of the Education Act 1996 and if on a school roll that they regularly attend school.
There is, however, a discretionary power held by headteachers to authorise absence in exceptional circumstances.
Please note: this is not an entitlement and a family holiday is not an exceptional circumstance.
The Headteacher will only authorise absence in line with the East Riding Behaviour and Attendance Partnership ‘Absence From School For Exceptional Circumstances Policy’.
Headteachers will not authorise absences if they believe it is to the detriment of a child’s education.
Please note: that supporting documents to aid decision making must be submitted at the time of your request for absence.
Please note: we advise that you do not plan for your child to be absent from school without gaining prior agreement from their school first. Headteachers cannot retrospectively authorise absence from school under any circumstances. If your request is authorised, you are required to ensure your child catches up on any missed school work. This is your responsibility and school are not obliged to provide work for your child to complete. Any unauthorised absence will be recorded on your child’s attendance records. This may result in legal proceedings against you, either through a Penalty Notice or the Magistrates’ Court.
How to request authorisation from the headteacher to take my child out of school?
In order to acquire authorisation for you to remove your child from school you will need to fill in a request form and then either post or take in to the school for the attention of the headteacher.
The headteacher then has to make a decision based on the information provided in the authorisation form, in addition to the evidence you have provided.
Please note: we advise that you do not plan for your child to be absent from school without gaining prior agreement from their school first. Headteachers cannot retrospectively authorise absence from school under any circumstances.
Download ERYC guidelines and request form :-
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