There is no entitlement to time off in term time
A school can only grant Leave of Absence if
- A request for leave of absence is submitted before leave is taken
- And the Headteacher believes the reason is exceptional
If the request is denied, the school will inform the parent of the reason and the request will be noted
Penalties for unauthorised absence
If you take your child out of school and the absence is not agreed by the Headteacher, this will be recorded as unauthorised absence. The school is required to notify Herefordshire Council and you may face a Fixed Penalty Notice and/or other legal action. The Fixed Penalty Notice is £60 per parent per child which rises to £120 per parent per child if not paid within 21 days. There is no appeal against a Fixed Penalty Notice. Failure to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice may lead to legal proceedings under the Education Act 1996 section 444(1)
A 'parent' is defined in Section 576 of the Education Act 1996, as including all natural parents, including those who are not married; any person who has parental responsibility and any person who has care of a child
Further information regarding School Absence Penalty Notices can be found on the Herefordshire Council website School attendance and absences – Herefordshire Council