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Leave during Term Time
The Education Department does not, at any time, support leave during term time, however, in exceptional circumstances head teachers have the discretionary power to grant leave in accordance with this Policy.
Each case should be considered carefully taking into account:
- The age of the child;
- The time of year;
- The nature and purpose of the trip;
- Family circumstances;
- Attendance pattern of the pupil;
- Previous requests.
Whilst each case is unique, the guidance strives for consistency across all schools. To further support consistency, where siblings are concerned, primary and secondary schools should endeavor to liaise with each other prior to a decision being made.
Parents do not have the automatic right to withdraw their child/ren from school and must request permission in advance from the head teacher.
Furthermore, parents must make a strong case to justify taking pupils out of school during term time as the absence can seriously disrupt continuity of learning. It is expected that parents will support their child’s education by arranging all leave to coincide with school holidays.
Where a pupil is absent for longer than the agreed time, s/he should be marked as taking unauthorised leave. The same applies to those parents/carers who remove their child/ren from school without permission.
Parents need to be aware that unauthorised absences may result in a referral to the Education Welfare Officer.
