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Fixed Penalty Notices

TAKING CHILDREN ON HOLIDAY DURING TERM TIME

 

A guide for parents and carers

Frequently asked questions

 

Am I entitled to take my child out of school for a family holiday?

No. Parents have a legal duty to ensure that their children attend school or the alternative provision on a regular basis

The Education Act 1996 makes it a criminal offence for a parent to "fail to secure their child’s regular attendance at the school"

The amendments to the 2006 Regulations remove any reference to family holidays, extended leave and the statutory threshold of ten school days.

The amendments make clear that Head Teachers may not grant any leave of absence (holiday) during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances The amendments give parents no entitlement to take their child out of school for a holiday in term time

 

If we decide to take a holiday during term time what should we do?

The parent/carer with whom the child resides must apply in writing to the school.

The letter/application must explain the exceptional circumstance surrounding the request for the leave of absence.

 

What will the school do then?

The Head Teacher will determine whether the exceptional circumstance ruling applies, if not the application will be declined

Only the Headteacher (or the Deputy) has the power to approve leave of absence applications. When making the decision the protocols and criteria laid down in the school’s attendance policy must be followed.

Each academic year, schools inform parents/carers via a letter, newsletter or some other communication; that they may receive a Fixed Penalty Notice if their child has unauthorised absences in term time

You will receive a written response from the Headteacher (or the Deputy) letting you know if your application has been approved

If the holiday goes ahead after the application has been declined the absence will be recorded as unauthorised

 

What will happen if the absence is unauthorised?

The school will decide if a Fixed Penalty Notice should be issued. If the school decide that a Fixed Penalty Notice is to be issued

You will receive a letter from the school advising that it has referred the matter to the Local Authority and that a Fixed Penalty Notice will be issued;

The school will inform the Local Authority that a Fixed Penalty Notice needs to be issued

A Fixed Penalty Notice will be sent to you, accompanied by an explanatory letter; the Notice gives you the opportunity to pay a penalty fine instead of being prosecuted in the criminal courts

 

Penalties for Unauthorised absences

Timeline

One Child

Two Children

Paid within 21 days

£60

per parent

£120

per parent

After 21 days and before 28 days

£120

per parent

£240

per parent

After 28 days

You will be summons to appear before the Magistrates’ Court on the grounds you have failed to secure your child’s regular attendance.

Files to Download

‘With God
All Things
Are Possible’

Matthew 19:26

ContactUs

St John's Sandbach Primary School

Heath RoadSandbach, Cheshire, CW11 2LE

Main Contact | Mr Rob Whittle/Mrs Sara Johnson/Mrs Laura Craig

01270 762859

admin@stjohnssandbach.co.uk / head@stjohnssandbach.co.uk