School Attendance

Improving regular attendance at school is a key priority, for local authorities and government alike. The Education Act 1996 makes it a criminal offence for a parent to 'fail to secure their child’s regular attendance at the school'.

In 2013, the Department for Education (DFE) announced important amendments to legislation surrounding the taking of holidays in term time.

As of 1 September 2013, the legislation which previously granted Head Teachers the discretion to approve up to two weeks (ie ten school days) leave of absence during term time for the purposes of a family holiday in special circumstances has changed.

The Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations 2006 (as amended) now state that a leave of absence during term time can only be approved by a Head Teacher/School Governing Body when:

• a written request is made in advance of the leave being taken and the circumstances of the requested leave are ‘exceptional’

There is no longer any provision for ‘holidays’ in the regulations.

How to request time off for your child

If you need to take your child out of school during term time, you'll need to submit a written request to the Head Teacher and the School's Governing Body. They will consider if your circumstances are 'exceptional' and let you know if your request has been approved. Please note that holidays are not normally considered exceptional.

If you take your child out of school without approval, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. If the unauthorised absence is for ten consecutive school sessions (i.e. five school days) or more, the local authority may issue a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) to each of the child's parents or caregivers at the request of the Head Teacher or School Governing Body.

Pay for a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN)

You can pay for your FPN by using our form. Please have your FPN number to hand to make this payment.