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​

You have to get permission from the Headteacher 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 Headteacher in advance (as a parent or carer the child normally lives with)

• there are exceptional circumstances

 

It’s up to the Headteacher 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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