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Holidays in Term Time

DfE guidance on holidays during term time is available here and states the following as at December 2020:

 

Holidays in term time

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You have to get permission from the head teacher if you want to take your child out of school during term time.

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You can only do this if:

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  • you make an application to the head teacher in advance (as a parent the child normally lives with)

  • there are exceptional circumstances

 

It’s up to the head teacher how many days your child can be away from school if leave is granted.

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You can be fined for taking your child on holiday during term time without the school’s permission.

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Legal action to enforce school attendance

 

Local councils and schools can use various legal powers if your child is missing school without a good reason. They can give you:

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  • a Parenting Order

  • an Education Supervision Order

  • a School Attendance Order

  • a fine (sometimes known as a ‘penalty notice’)​

 

You can be given one or more of these but the council does not have to do this before prosecuting you.

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