Information from the Trust regarding granting Absence during Termtime
Guidance for Granting Absence during Term Time due to Exceptional Circumstances
Headteachers can only grant term-time absences in 'exceptional circumstances'.
Any requests for term-time absence must be made in advance. If parents don't apply for the leave of absence in advance, this will be recorded as unauthorised absence. This is set out in the DfE's statutory advice on school attendance.
The Trust have issued guidance on what exceptional circumstances are and these are shown below. Trust recommended exceptional circumstances
● When a family needs to spend time together because of an immediate family members bereavement, crisis or serious illness and the Headteacher is satisfied as to the circumstances
● Funeral of immediate family member. Discretion will be used to consider travel requirements.
● Religious observance
● Sudden loss of housing through eviction or domestic violence - up to a maximum of 3 days.
● Transport was not provided by the LA when it should have been
● Children of service personnel about to go on deployment (permission would be considered as long as the request is accompanied by a letter from the Commanding Officer)
● Time-off relating to Child Entertainment Performances, subject to a license being issued and seen by the Headteacher
● One off sporting events, if the child is participating and is at county standard or above and a letter has been provided from the sports regional governing body as evidence
● One day of absence could be authorised for an immediate family members graduation ceremony/passing out parade
● Medical appointments (parents/carers should be encouraged to arrange non-urgent medical appointments outside of school hours when possible. If the medical appointment is during the school day, evidence must be provided.
Schools should not authorise a whole days absence for a medical appointment that occurs in the morning – the child would be expected to return to school in the afternoon, and vice versa
● Weddings of parents and siblings – weddings can be arranged at weekends or during school holidays; however we acknowledge that there are times when the dates are dependent on other factors, such as the needs of the couple getting married. Leave should only be authorised for this purpose when a Headteacher is satisfied that here is a persuasive reason for holding the wedding during term time. Absence will not be authorised for reasons such as the following:
● Family holidays
● To care for other family members
● Holidays abroad for the purpose of visiting a sick relative, excepting where that person is seriously ill. Medical evidence may be requested.
● Holidays taken in term time due to lower cost/parental work commitment.
Secondary Absence Request Form
