Pupil Leave of Absence Request

We understand that in some exceptional circumstances families may need to request a leave of absence for a pupil. Please read the DFE guidance below and send any requests to the school office email office@martinbacon.academy for the head teachers approval.

The DfE has confirmed that:

• If a pupil has an attendance level above 90% this is not regarded as ‘regular’ attendance. Schools/academies should not set a minimum attendance target as 100% should be expected.
• Legislation requires us to take legal action against parents/carers who fail to ensure their child attends school at a level of 90% and below, overall/accumulative, or for a specific period, g. 90% overall = 19 days of absence throughout the year.
• As set out in the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 amended in 2013 – that headteachers continue to have the power to authorise leave of absence, but only in exceptional or unavoidable circumstances and each case should be considered on its own merits.
• Family holidays are no longer allowed to be taken during school term time.  While family holidays are enriching experiences, the school year is designed to give families the opportunity for these breaks without having to disrupt their children’s education. It is for schools to consider the specific details and relevant context behind each request. Schools know their pupils best and are well placed to make those judgements.
• (For your information, guidance states that ‘any parent who takes a child out of school for term time leave for 6 consecutive sessions (3 days) or more over a 4 week period, not authorised by the school (under the exceptional circumstances rule), may receive a Penalty Notice. Therefore, Penalty Notices will be issued for single event absences of at least 3 consecutive school days or more where these absences are unauthorised because they are neither exceptional nor unavoidable.’)