Leave of Absence

Attendance Leaflet 2009
Application for Leave of Absence During Term Time

Dear Parent/Carer

I have reviewed our attendance monitoring processes and subsequent actions. One result of this review, is the issue of students being taken on family holidays in school time. After absence due to illness, this category is the main cause of absence from school.

My discussions with the Department for Children, Schools and Families and Wirral Local Authority have highlighted the increasing number of family holidays taken in term time as an area of concern. Although parents can ask to take their children out of school for a family holiday of up to 10 school days, it is up to the discretion of the Headteacher to authorise.

I fully understand the financial differences that exist between taking holidays in school time versus in school holidays and I have sympathy with the need for a family holiday and affordability. However, it is important to emphasise that a child’s educational success in the long term ensures their financial success throughout their lives.

Therefore, with effect from 28th January 2008, I will only authorise requests for family holidays for students who have higher than 94% attendance and only in this instance for five (5) school days. Students who fall below 94% will not have holidays authorised by the school. In addition, absence from school due to family holiday that is over 5 school days will also not be authorised.

I hope that you understand the reasons for my decision in that it is based on the ensuring good attendance in school and subsequent educational success for our children.

Yours sincerely

Mr B Jordan

Head Teacher