Due to new amendments made to Government legislation, as from September 1st 2013, holidays taken during term time are no longer authorised. It has been made clear to headteachers that they should not grant leave of absence during term time unless there are "exceptional circumstances'. Currently, schools have been able to approve (at their discretion) any absence during term time for the purpose of family holidays up to a threshold of ten days. The recent amendment makes it quite clear that headteachers may not grant any leave of absence.
As a result of the revised regulations, the Governors at Emmaville Primary School have agreed to amend our current Attendance Policy for September 2013 and adopt a standard practice of NOT AUTHORISING ANY FAMILY HOLIDAYS IN TERM TIME. The link below gives further information.
If parents/carers, contrary to what the school has said, still decide to take their child out of school for a holiday, then the absence will be recorded as UNAUTHORISED. This can leas to the involvement of the Education Welfare Service and the possible issue of a 'fixed penalty notice' of £60 per child per parent/carer which increases to £120 if not paid within the first 28 days. These measures have been introduced as part of the government's drive to improve attendance.
Research shows that missing school damages a pupil's attainment levels and seriously affects his/her longer term life opportunities. Each year, a number of children are absent because their parents/carers take them away on holiday during term time. The absence of pupils seriously disrupts the continuity of their learning. The link between attendance and achievement is strong, and high levels of attendance at school should be a right of every pupil.
We realise that some parents/carers will find these measures rather severe, but we are following the new legislation and acting in lone with other schools in the local authority, including those within the Ryton cluster. We hope that you will support our continued efforts to raise attendance and attainment.
Please use the links below to see the school's Attendance Policy and to download a copy of the Application for Leave of Absence During Term Time form.