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Attendance and absence from school

Parents are responsible for making sure their children attend school regularly and on time.

GOV.uk Statutory Guidance on Schools Attendance and Absence

What is an authorised absence?

Only a school can authorise an absence. If your child is ill or cannot go to school for some reason, you need to contact the school by telephone and/or by letter to tell them. The school will then decide whether to authorise the absence.

There are only a few valid reasons why your child should be absent. If your child has been away from school without you giving any reason, the school will contact you to find out why. This may be by phone or letter or an invitation to a meeting in school.

Our Code of Conduct for Issuing Penalty Notices is available here.

What to do if you think your child might be truanting

If you suspect that your child is not going to school please contact the school immediately. School staff will work with you and your child to resolve the matter.

This link will take you to a really useful resource section for supporting children and young people who are experiencing barriers to attending school: Guidance to support children and young people experiencing barriers attending school

Holidays in term time

Time off school for family holidays is not a right. Schools have discretion in 'exceptional circumstance' to authorise a holiday if they believe it is a genuine reason.

You can be given a Penalty Notice or prosecuted for periods of unauthorised holidays.

Is my child too ill for school?

NHS Guide for if your child may be too ill to go into school.

Frequently Asked Questions

As parent(s), we must ensure our children attend school regularly; what does this mean?
Parents/Carers have a legal duty to ensure that their children of compulsory school age receive a suitable full-time education. They can do this by enrolling them at a school or taking responsibility for their learning at home (elective home education).

Once enrolled at a school, it is the parent/carers legal responsibility to ensure that their child attends regularly.

'Regularly' means children must attend every session of every day that the school is open, except in a small number of allowable 'authorised' circumstances; these allowable circumstances include:

  • Being too ill to attend
  • Being given permission for an absence in advance from the school

If a child who is of compulsory school age who is registered at school fails to attend regularly at the school, their parent is guilty of an offence (Section 444 (1) Education Act 1996).

 

What does it mean by 'attending on time'?
Schools set out the registration times that they expect their pupils to be present for. Pupils should be present for the beginning of these times to be registered as present. If they arrive after the registers have closed, this is counted as an unauthorised absence.

 

95% attendance, or even 90% attendance, sounds okay; is it?
In an academic year:

  • 95% attendance equates to 10 school days missed or 50 hours of learning
  • 90% attendance is 20 days missed or 100 hours of learning

Recapturing this time puts additional pressure on pupils to maintain their learning levels.

 

Our child is in Reception but is 4 years old (so she is not yet of statutory school age); what are the rules around attendance for her?
Children become of compulsory school age in the term following their 5th birthday.

Schools are encouraged to use the coding for registers consistently across all ages. However, the penalties for 10 unauthorised sessions with 10 weeks do not come into effect until they are of compulsory school age.

 

How can I decide if my child is too ill to go to school?
The DfE states: 'It's usually safe for parents and carers to send their children to school with mild illnesses, like a minor cough, runny nose, or sore throat. However, children should stay at home if they have a high temperature of 38oC or above'.

The NHS has published guidance to help parents and carers decide whether their child is well enough to attend school, including information on a range of common childhood illnesses and conditions, such as coughs, colds, chickenpox, measles and headlice:

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/

Can I take my child out of school for a doctor, hospital or dentist appointment?
The DfE states: 'Schools should encourage parents to make appointments out of school hours. Where this is not possible, they should get the school's agreement in advance and the pupil should only be out of school for the minimum amount of time necessary for the appointment.'

If your child attends a school maintained by a local authority, or a special school not maintained by a local authority, the school can only grant leave of absence for this where:

  • Application is made in advance by a parent the pupil normally lives with (or the pupil if they will be over compulsory school age by the time of the absence)
  • The school is satisfied that, based on the individual facts of the case, there are exceptional circumstances which justify the leave

If your child is present at registration but then leaves the school to attend a medical or dental appointment during the morning or afternoon in question, no absence needs to be recorded for that session.

Attending the school – counts as attending

What this means

Present

Present at school

 

Late arrival before the register is closed

The pupil was absent when the register started being taken but arrives before the register is closed.

 

Attending a place other than the school

What this means

Attending an educational visit or trip

The pupil is attending a place, other than the school or any other school at which they are a registered pupil, for an educational visit or trip arranged by or on behalf of the school and supervised by a member of school staff.

 

Participating in a sporting activity

The pupil is attending a place for an approved educational activity that is a sporting activity, and:

·       the activity is of an educational nature;

·       the school has approved the pupil’s attendance at the place for the activity; and

·       the activity is supervised by a person considered by the school to have the appropriate skills, training, experience and knowledge to ensure that the activity takes place safely and fulfils the educational purpose for which the pupil’s attendance has been approved.

 

As parent(s), we must ensure our children attend school regularly; what does this mean?
Parents/Carers have a legal duty to ensure that their children of compulsory school age receive a suitable full-time education. They can do this by enrolling them at a school or taking responsibility for their learning at home (elective home education).

Once enrolled at a school, it is the parent/carers legal responsibility to ensure that their child attends regularly.

'Regularly' means children must attend every session of every day that the school is open, except in a small number of allowable 'authorised' circumstances; these allowable circumstances include:

  • Being too ill to attend
  • Being given permission for an absence in advance from the school

If a child who is of compulsory school age who is registered at school fails to attend regularly at the school, their parent is guilty of an offence (Section 444 (1) Education Act 1996).

 

What does it mean by 'attending on time'?
Schools set out the registration times that they expect their pupils to be present for. Pupils should be present for the beginning of these times to be registered as present. If they arrive after the registers have closed, this is counted as an unauthorised absence.

 

95% attendance, or even 90% attendance, sounds okay; is it?
In an academic year:

  • 95% attendance equates to 10 school days missed or 50 hours of learning
  • 90% attendance is 20 days missed or 100 hours of learning

Recapturing this time puts additional pressure on pupils to maintain their learning levels.

 

Our child is in Reception but is 4 years old (so she is not yet of statutory school age); what are the rules around attendance for her?
Children become of compulsory school age in the term following their 5th birthday.

Schools are encouraged to use the coding for registers consistently across all ages. However, the penalties for 10 unauthorised sessions with 10 weeks do not come into effect until they are of compulsory school age.

 

How can I decide if my child is too ill to go to school?
The DfE states: 'It's usually safe for parents and carers to send their children to school with mild illnesses, like a minor cough, runny nose, or sore throat. However, children should stay at home if they have a high temperature of 38oC or above'.

The NHS has published guidance to help parents and carers decide whether their child is well enough to attend school, including information on a range of common childhood illnesses and conditions, such as coughs, colds, chickenpox, measles and headlice:

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/is-my-child-too-ill-for-school/

Can I take my child out of school for a doctor, hospital or dentist appointment?
The DfE states: 'Schools should encourage parents to make appointments out of school hours. Where this is not possible, they should get the school's agreement in advance and the pupil should only be out of school for the minimum amount of time necessary for the appointment.'

If your child attends a school maintained by a local authority, or a special school not maintained by a local authority, the school can only grant leave of absence for this where:

  • Application is made in advance by a parent the pupil normally lives with (or the pupil if they will be over compulsory school age by the time of the absence)
  • The school is satisfied that, based on the individual facts of the case, there are exceptional circumstances which justify the leave

If your child is present at registration but then leaves the school to attend a medical or dental appointment during the morning or afternoon in question, no absence needs to be recorded for that session.

Attending the school – counts as attending

What this means

Present

Present at school

 

Late arrival before the register is closed

The pupil was absent when the register started being taken but arrives before the register is closed.

 

Attending a place other than the school

What this means

Attending an educational visit or trip

The pupil is attending a place, other than the school or any other school at which they are a registered pupil, for an educational visit or trip arranged by or on behalf of the school and supervised by a member of school staff.

 

Participating in a sporting activity

The pupil is attending a place for an approved educational activity that is a sporting activity, and:

·       the activity is of an educational nature;

·       the school has approved the pupil’s attendance at the place for the activity; and

·       the activity is supervised by a person considered by the school to have the appropriate skills, training, experience and knowledge to ensure that the activity takes place safely and fulfils the educational purpose for which the pupil’s attendance has been approved.

 

My Child's school want to put my child on a part time or reduced timetable because of their behaviour/they are at risk of exclusion. Is this appropriate? What can we do?
A part-time timetable put in place due to behaviour concerns is not appropriate. If you feel that the part-time timetable has been suggested for behavioural concerns with no agreement or plan for returning to full time education, you can contact the EIS team.

In the 'Working Together to Improve School Attendance' Guidance (2024), it says: In very exceptional circumstances, where it is in a pupil's best interests, there may be a need for a school to provide a pupil of compulsory school age with less than full-time education through a temporary part-time timetable to meet their individual needs. For example, where a medical condition prevents a pupil from attending school or another setting full-time, and a part-time timetable is used to help the pupil access as much education as possible.

Schools may suggest a short-term part-time timetable so that they may assess your child's needs. This is to ensure that the pupil has the maximum amount of education available.

 

We don't agree with our child being put on a part-time timetable; what can we do?
A part-time timetable should have the agreement of both the school and the parent the pupil normally lives with.

No parent/carer should be pressurised into agreeing to a part-time timetable. The threat of exclusion must not be used to influence parents/carers to engage with a part-time timetable.

If you have concerns, you can contact the EIS team, or the EHCP Service if your child has an EHCP.

If your child has an EHCP, a part-time timetable should be discussed between the school and the LA's EHCP Service to agree the best plan for the pupil.

 

My child is on a part-time timetable and this has been going on for months. We have no idea as to when their education is going to return to full time. What can we do?
When the part-time timetable was agreed by you and the school, it should have had a proposed end date that takes into account the pupil's needs and circumstances.

A part-time timetable should have regular reviews, which include the pupil and you, as parents, to ensure that it is in place for the shortest time possible.

If these have not taken place, you can contact the school in the first instance to ask that a review takes place.

If you continue to have concerns, you can contact the EIS team, or if they have an EHCP you can contact the EHCP service.

My Child's school want to put my child on a part time or reduced timetable because of their behaviour/they are at risk of exclusion. Is this appropriate? What can we do?
A part-time timetable put in place due to behaviour concerns is not appropriate. If you feel that the part-time timetable has been suggested for behavioural concerns with no agreement or plan for returning to full time education, you can contact the EIS team.

In the 'Working Together to Improve School Attendance' Guidance (2024), it says: In very exceptional circumstances, where it is in a pupil's best interests, there may be a need for a school to provide a pupil of compulsory school age with less than full-time education through a temporary part-time timetable to meet their individual needs. For example, where a medical condition prevents a pupil from attending school or another setting full-time, and a part-time timetable is used to help the pupil access as much education as possible.

Schools may suggest a short-term part-time timetable so that they may assess your child's needs. This is to ensure that the pupil has the maximum amount of education available.

 

We don't agree with our child being put on a part-time timetable; what can we do?
A part-time timetable should have the agreement of both the school and the parent the pupil normally lives with.

No parent/carer should be pressurised into agreeing to a part-time timetable. The threat of exclusion must not be used to influence parents/carers to engage with a part-time timetable.

If you have concerns, you can contact the EIS team, or the EHCP Service if your child has an EHCP.

If your child has an EHCP, a part-time timetable should be discussed between the school and the LA's EHCP Service to agree the best plan for the pupil.

 

My child is on a part-time timetable and this has been going on for months. We have no idea as to when their education is going to return to full time. What can we do?
When the part-time timetable was agreed by you and the school, it should have had a proposed end date that takes into account the pupil's needs and circumstances.

A part-time timetable should have regular reviews, which include the pupil and you, as parents, to ensure that it is in place for the shortest time possible.

If these have not taken place, you can contact the school in the first instance to ask that a review takes place.

If you continue to have concerns, you can contact the EIS team, or if they have an EHCP you can contact the EHCP service.

Our child's school want them to attend an alternative provision for part of their weekly timetable; is that allowed?
Yes, this is allowed:

In the 'Suspension and permanent exclusion from maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units in England, including pupil movement' (2024), it says: Off-site direction is when a governing board of a maintained school requires a pupil to attend another education setting to improve their behaviour.

Whilst the legislation does not apply to academies, they can arrange off-site provision for such purposes under their general powers. Where interventions or targeted support have not been successful in improving a pupil's behaviour, off-site direction should be used to arrange time limited placements at an alternative provision or another mainstream school.

During the off-site direction to another school, a pupil must be recorded in the attendance register using code D. This code is used to indicate that the pupil is absent with leave to attend the other school at which they are registered.

Further information on how schools record pupils who are absent from the school site for certain educational activities or to attend other schools or settings can be found in the attendance guidance: Working together to improve school attendance.

 

My child is accessing GHES but is still on roll of their main school and are being coded as absent; is this correct?
The absent code should only be used when your child is unable to attend the Hospital Education Service (GHES).

While your child is registered with GHES, your child's main school will register them as 'D', as dual-rolled, and the GHES setting will register them daily.

Our child's school want them to attend an alternative provision for part of their weekly timetable; is that allowed?
Yes, this is allowed:

In the 'Suspension and permanent exclusion from maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units in England, including pupil movement' (2024), it says: Off-site direction is when a governing board of a maintained school requires a pupil to attend another education setting to improve their behaviour.

Whilst the legislation does not apply to academies, they can arrange off-site provision for such purposes under their general powers. Where interventions or targeted support have not been successful in improving a pupil's behaviour, off-site direction should be used to arrange time limited placements at an alternative provision or another mainstream school.

During the off-site direction to another school, a pupil must be recorded in the attendance register using code D. This code is used to indicate that the pupil is absent with leave to attend the other school at which they are registered.

Further information on how schools record pupils who are absent from the school site for certain educational activities or to attend other schools or settings can be found in the attendance guidance: Working together to improve school attendance.

 

My child is accessing GHES but is still on roll of their main school and are being coded as absent; is this correct?
The absent code should only be used when your child is unable to attend the Hospital Education Service (GHES).

While your child is registered with GHES, your child's main school will register them as 'D', as dual-rolled, and the GHES setting will register them daily.

The school have said my child is classed as 'persistently absent'; what does this mean?
A pupil whose attendance is below 90% is classed as persistently absent, even if the absence has been authorised.

Pupils taking unauthorised leave of absence early in the academic year could be categorised as persistently absent despite having perfect attendance from their return date onwards.

If a pupil is a persistent absentee:

  • They have been absent from school for 10% or more of school time
  • In one school year they will have missed 19 whole days or more of school
  • In five school years they will have missed 95 days or more of school, which is at least half of a school year in total

Where a pupil is persistently absent, schools will follow their attendance and procedures.

 

A plan is being developed to support my child's attendance; what does this mean?
In line with DfE and GCC guidance, the school will examine the barriers to attendance with a support-first mindset, to improve your child's attendance.

In the majority of cases, pupils will be supported in school, but where there are multiple issues requiring other service involvement, schools, local authorities, and other services should work together to provide more intensive whole family support to address them as soon as it becomes clear they would benefit from it.

Schools and local authorities are also specifically expected to have agreed a joint approach for all severely absent pupils.

The school have said my child is classed as 'persistently absent'; what does this mean?
A pupil whose attendance is below 90% is classed as persistently absent, even if the absence has been authorised.

Pupils taking unauthorised leave of absence early in the academic year could be categorised as persistently absent despite having perfect attendance from their return date onwards.

If a pupil is a persistent absentee:

  • They have been absent from school for 10% or more of school time
  • In one school year they will have missed 19 whole days or more of school
  • In five school years they will have missed 95 days or more of school, which is at least half of a school year in total

Where a pupil is persistently absent, schools will follow their attendance and procedures.

 

A plan is being developed to support my child's attendance; what does this mean?
In line with DfE and GCC guidance, the school will examine the barriers to attendance with a support-first mindset, to improve your child's attendance.

In the majority of cases, pupils will be supported in school, but where there are multiple issues requiring other service involvement, schools, local authorities, and other services should work together to provide more intensive whole family support to address them as soon as it becomes clear they would benefit from it.

Schools and local authorities are also specifically expected to have agreed a joint approach for all severely absent pupils.

I need support to help my child attend school, not threats of prosecution.
The DfE legislates that schools and local authorities must take a 'support-first' approach to help pupils and their families to tackle barriers to attendance; it notes 'schools, local authorities, and wider services must work together to support these pupils, encouraging early intervention and close working with families to address their individual needs.'

 

What can I do if I feel I am being encouraged to deregister my child and educate them at home?
If a school encourages a parent to remove their child from the school roll, this is a form of 'off-rolling'.

The DfE are clear that 'pressure should never be put on you as parents by a school to remove your child from a school to avoid formal exclusion, or because your child is having difficulty with learning or behaviour. This practice - sometimes called 'off-rolling' - is unacceptable, and if the pressure of this sort is put on you by any state-funded school you should inform the local authority.'

If you are in this situation, please contact the EIS team to discuss your concerns.

If you decide to remove your child from school, your child will not be deregistered from school until you have confirmed your decision to deregister them in writing.

If you are considering Elective Home Education for your child, and would like to talk to someone about this, please call 01452 426015 to speak to one of our Parent Advisers. You may also email them on parentadvisers@gloucestershire.gov.uk.

 

I feel the school are not meeting my child's needs, which is affecting their attendance, and I feel they need a different education setting; what can I do?
Before considering moving schools, you can consider these options for a resolution:

  • In the first instance, you can acces the school's SEN policy (on their website) and approach the school's SENCo and Headteacher to discuss your child's needs, how they are being met, and how you can work together. You can also ask advice of SENDIASS
  • Following this, if you remain unhappy, you are able to follow the school's complaints procedure, details of which should be on the school's website
  • If your child has an EHCP, you can also contact the EHCP Case Coordinator to discuss the next steps
  • If your child does not have an EHCP, you are able to contact the EIS team

If your child does not have an EHCP and you wish to move schools, you can contact other schools directly to see if they have spaces and apply directly through the In-Year Admissions team website, or if you are unsure as to which school to apply to, https://www.gov.uk/school-performance-tables can help you find information about local schools.

Once you have decided on a school you will need to apply with an in-year application form; alternatively, a copy may be downloaded from the GCC website https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/education-and-learning/school-admissions/applying-for-a-school-place-during-the-school-year/.

I need support to help my child attend school, not threats of prosecution.
The DfE legislates that schools and local authorities must take a 'support-first' approach to help pupils and their families to tackle barriers to attendance; it notes 'schools, local authorities, and wider services must work together to support these pupils, encouraging early intervention and close working with families to address their individual needs.'

 

What can I do if I feel I am being encouraged to deregister my child and educate them at home?
If a school encourages a parent to remove their child from the school roll, this is a form of 'off-rolling'.

The DfE are clear that 'pressure should never be put on you as parents by a school to remove your child from a school to avoid formal exclusion, or because your child is having difficulty with learning or behaviour. This practice - sometimes called 'off-rolling' - is unacceptable, and if the pressure of this sort is put on you by any state-funded school you should inform the local authority.'

If you are in this situation, please contact the EIS team to discuss your concerns.

If you decide to remove your child from school, your child will not be deregistered from school until you have confirmed your decision to deregister them in writing.

If you are considering Elective Home Education for your child, and would like to talk to someone about this, please call 01452 426015 to speak to one of our Parent Advisers. You may also email them on parentadvisers@gloucestershire.gov.uk.

 

I feel the school are not meeting my child's needs, which is affecting their attendance, and I feel they need a different education setting; what can I do?
Before considering moving schools, you can consider these options for a resolution:

  • In the first instance, you can acces the school's SEN policy (on their website) and approach the school's SENCo and Headteacher to discuss your child's needs, how they are being met, and how you can work together. You can also ask advice of SENDIASS
  • Following this, if you remain unhappy, you are able to follow the school's complaints procedure, details of which should be on the school's website
  • If your child has an EHCP, you can also contact the EHCP Case Coordinator to discuss the next steps
  • If your child does not have an EHCP, you are able to contact the EIS team

If your child does not have an EHCP and you wish to move schools, you can contact other schools directly to see if they have spaces and apply directly through the In-Year Admissions team website, or if you are unsure as to which school to apply to, https://www.gov.uk/school-performance-tables can help you find information about local schools.

Once you have decided on a school you will need to apply with an in-year application form; alternatively, a copy may be downloaded from the GCC website https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/education-and-learning/school-admissions/applying-for-a-school-place-during-the-school-year/.

Can my child be absent from school to take part in a non-school performance? Would this be authorised absence?
Yes, your child can be absent from school to take part in a non-school performance, but this must be under a performance licence or BOPA (see our performance webpage for more details on this).

Schools are encouraged to authorise the absence as long as they are satisfied that it will not have a negative effect on your child's education.

 

My secondary-aged child has been asked by their employer at their part-time job to start at 3pm later this week as they are short staffed due to illness, but my child's school doesn't finish until 3:30pm. What can we do?
Young people are not permitted to work during school hours, so they would not be able to take this shift. They must remain present at school.

Your child must also have a work permit in place, or they may be working unlawfully. More information on work permits can be found on the child employment webpage.

 

My child has a role in a film and a photoshoot that are taking place during the school day, so they will need to be absent from school. Is this allowed?
Yes, your child can be absent from school to take part in a non-school performance, but this must be under a performance licence or BOPA.

If you are unsure whether a licence is in place, you should check with the producer in the first instance (see our performance webpage for more details on this).

Can my child be absent from school to take part in a non-school performance? Would this be authorised absence?
Yes, your child can be absent from school to take part in a non-school performance, but this must be under a performance licence or BOPA (see our performance webpage for more details on this).

Schools are encouraged to authorise the absence as long as they are satisfied that it will not have a negative effect on your child's education.

 

My secondary-aged child has been asked by their employer at their part-time job to start at 3pm later this week as they are short staffed due to illness, but my child's school doesn't finish until 3:30pm. What can we do?
Young people are not permitted to work during school hours, so they would not be able to take this shift. They must remain present at school.

Your child must also have a work permit in place, or they may be working unlawfully. More information on work permits can be found on the child employment webpage.

 

My child has a role in a film and a photoshoot that are taking place during the school day, so they will need to be absent from school. Is this allowed?
Yes, your child can be absent from school to take part in a non-school performance, but this must be under a performance licence or BOPA.

If you are unsure whether a licence is in place, you should check with the producer in the first instance (see our performance webpage for more details on this).

The school has asked me to attend an Attendance Improvement Meeting (AIM) saying that it is the beginning of the legal intervention process. If I do not go, then will this count against me?
The school are responsible for supporting their pupils and families with attendance, providing all support that is suitable for them.

Should schools have exhausted all other available options and there is no improvement in attendance for the child, they may invite parents to attend an Attendance Improvement Meeting.

Should parents choose to not attend this meeting, the school may contact the local authority and ask to begin legal proceedings.

The school has asked me to attend an Attendance Improvement Meeting (AIM) saying that it is the beginning of the legal intervention process. If I do not go, then will this count against me?
The school are responsible for supporting their pupils and families with attendance, providing all support that is suitable for them.

Should schools have exhausted all other available options and there is no improvement in attendance for the child, they may invite parents to attend an Attendance Improvement Meeting.

Should parents choose to not attend this meeting, the school may contact the local authority and ask to begin legal proceedings.

Why has the fine amount increased?
The fine amount has increased following the Department of Education's decision to keep it in line with inflation.

The increase is a national change that is being implemented from 19 August 2024.

 

The prices are too high for us to afford a holiday in the school holidays, so unless we go in term time, we won't be able to have a family holiday. Where do I stand with this?
A leave of absence due to less cost for the holiday is not a defence for taking a child out of education during term time, so absences of 10 sessions or more in 10 weeks may result in a penalty notice being issued to each parent for each child.

 

What is the reason for the fine not being paid at a reduced rate for the second time?
The Department for Education is focusing on improving attendance for its importance with children's academic and pastoral development.

A second penalty notice within a rolling three-year period will be payable at the full amount for the payment period to encourage parents to take holidays during the school's term breaks.

 

Will previous holidays taken during term time from last year be included?
The changes are taking effect from 19 August 2024 so no previous holidays will be included in the consideration of issuing penalty notices.

 

I requested a leave of absence from my child's school in July for a holiday we plan to take in November. If a fine is issued, will it be at the old or new rate?
All holidays taken after 19 August 2024 will be subject to the new fine amounts. Your child's school should keep you informed about this change.

 

Are both parents going to be issued a fine?
Under the Education Act 1996, a parent means: all natural parents, whether they are married or not: all those who have parental responsibility for a child or young person; those who have day to day responsibility for the child (i.e. lives with and looks after the child).

Schools may request a fine for the parents of the child responsible for the absence during term time.

 

I have received a penalty notice, as has my partner - is this correct?
In the school's attendance policy and on their holiday request forms, it should inform parents and carers that penalty notices may be issued without further warning to each parent for each child. Under the Education Act, a 'parent' is define as:

  • All natural parents, whether they are married or not;
  • All those who have parental responsibility for a child or young person;
  • All those who have day to day responsibility for the child (i.e. lives with and looks after the child)

 

I do not think I should have been issued a fine. What do I do about this?
The Headteacher makes the decision to authorise or unauthorise an absence from school.

Should you feel there are exceptional circumstances for your child being absent from school, you should contact the school in the first instance.

Further information about attendance can be found at https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/education-and-learning/school-attendance-and-exclusions-and-welfare/.

 

My ex-partner wants to take our child on holiday during term time. I do not agree with the holiday, but I cannot stop them taking our child away. What do I do?
If you know that a holiday during term time is planned, the parent with whom the child lives, and the parent taking the child on holiday should complete a holiday request form for the school so that the Headteacher is aware of the planned absence and can consider whether they will authorise or unauthorise the absence.

If one parent is responsible for the child being taken out of school for a holiday, then you should make the school aware that this is the case to inform the Headteacher's decision on requesting a Penalty Notice.

 

Can schools authorise holidays?
Since 1 September 2013, schools could no longer authorise holidays during term time unless for exceptional circumstances.

All requests for planned absences should be made in advance and in writing to the Headteacher who will consider each request individually.

 

We are Service Personnel; will a Headteacher authorise term-time holidays for our children?
The DfE states: 'As with all children at school, the decision on whether to authorise term-time holidays for the children of Service personnel sits solely with the Headteacher of their school.

To assist Headteachers in making their decisions on applications for absence during term time, Unit Commanding Officers and their Welfare staff will be able to provide advice, verification and endorsement as required.'
Term time absence for Service children

 

What happens if I do not pay my Penalty Notice in time?
Should you not pay the Penalty Notice in time, then the Local Authority will consider beginning legal proceedings for a prosecution at the Magistrates' Court.

 

If teachers can go on strike, why can't I take my child away on holiday?
We cannot make a comment about strike action, as it is not related to the statutory process.

The expectation for regular attendance is that pupils attend school for every session of every day that the school is open to them.

 

Can I deregister my child so that we can have an extended break from school, and then re-register them on their return?
A school can only remove a pupil from roll if they receive a letter informing them of the deregistration of the pupil.

A school can only remove a pupil from roll when they receive confirmation or ascertained that the pupil is on roll at a new school.

Why has the fine amount increased?
The fine amount has increased following the Department of Education's decision to keep it in line with inflation.

The increase is a national change that is being implemented from 19 August 2024.

 

The prices are too high for us to afford a holiday in the school holidays, so unless we go in term time, we won't be able to have a family holiday. Where do I stand with this?
A leave of absence due to less cost for the holiday is not a defence for taking a child out of education during term time, so absences of 10 sessions or more in 10 weeks may result in a penalty notice being issued to each parent for each child.

 

What is the reason for the fine not being paid at a reduced rate for the second time?
The Department for Education is focusing on improving attendance for its importance with children's academic and pastoral development.

A second penalty notice within a rolling three-year period will be payable at the full amount for the payment period to encourage parents to take holidays during the school's term breaks.

 

Will previous holidays taken during term time from last year be included?
The changes are taking effect from 19 August 2024 so no previous holidays will be included in the consideration of issuing penalty notices.

 

I requested a leave of absence from my child's school in July for a holiday we plan to take in November. If a fine is issued, will it be at the old or new rate?
All holidays taken after 19 August 2024 will be subject to the new fine amounts. Your child's school should keep you informed about this change.

 

Are both parents going to be issued a fine?
Under the Education Act 1996, a parent means: all natural parents, whether they are married or not: all those who have parental responsibility for a child or young person; those who have day to day responsibility for the child (i.e. lives with and looks after the child).

Schools may request a fine for the parents of the child responsible for the absence during term time.

 

I have received a penalty notice, as has my partner - is this correct?
In the school's attendance policy and on their holiday request forms, it should inform parents and carers that penalty notices may be issued without further warning to each parent for each child. Under the Education Act, a 'parent' is define as:

  • All natural parents, whether they are married or not;
  • All those who have parental responsibility for a child or young person;
  • All those who have day to day responsibility for the child (i.e. lives with and looks after the child)

 

I do not think I should have been issued a fine. What do I do about this?
The Headteacher makes the decision to authorise or unauthorise an absence from school.

Should you feel there are exceptional circumstances for your child being absent from school, you should contact the school in the first instance.

Further information about attendance can be found at https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/education-and-learning/school-attendance-and-exclusions-and-welfare/.

 

My ex-partner wants to take our child on holiday during term time. I do not agree with the holiday, but I cannot stop them taking our child away. What do I do?
If you know that a holiday during term time is planned, the parent with whom the child lives, and the parent taking the child on holiday should complete a holiday request form for the school so that the Headteacher is aware of the planned absence and can consider whether they will authorise or unauthorise the absence.

If one parent is responsible for the child being taken out of school for a holiday, then you should make the school aware that this is the case to inform the Headteacher's decision on requesting a Penalty Notice.

 

Can schools authorise holidays?
Since 1 September 2013, schools could no longer authorise holidays during term time unless for exceptional circumstances.

All requests for planned absences should be made in advance and in writing to the Headteacher who will consider each request individually.

 

We are Service Personnel; will a Headteacher authorise term-time holidays for our children?
The DfE states: 'As with all children at school, the decision on whether to authorise term-time holidays for the children of Service personnel sits solely with the Headteacher of their school.

To assist Headteachers in making their decisions on applications for absence during term time, Unit Commanding Officers and their Welfare staff will be able to provide advice, verification and endorsement as required.'
Term time absence for Service children

 

What happens if I do not pay my Penalty Notice in time?
Should you not pay the Penalty Notice in time, then the Local Authority will consider beginning legal proceedings for a prosecution at the Magistrates' Court.

 

If teachers can go on strike, why can't I take my child away on holiday?
We cannot make a comment about strike action, as it is not related to the statutory process.

The expectation for regular attendance is that pupils attend school for every session of every day that the school is open to them.

 

Can I deregister my child so that we can have an extended break from school, and then re-register them on their return?
A school can only remove a pupil from roll if they receive a letter informing them of the deregistration of the pupil.

A school can only remove a pupil from roll when they receive confirmation or ascertained that the pupil is on roll at a new school.

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