Family Holidays During Term Time

Changes to term-time holiday legislation (Leave of Absence) have been made, and include the following:

Headteachers may not grant leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Headteachers should determine the number of school days a child can be away under such exceptional circumstances. There are certain vulnerable and high profile periods of the year (e.g. the first six weeks of any academic year) when leave of absence may not be granted even under exceptional circumstances

Exceptional circumstances ( for which evidence will be needed) may include:

• service personnel on active duty;
• where an absence from school is recommended by a health professional as part of a parent's or child's rehabilitation from a medical or emotional issue;
• the death or terminal illness of a person close to the family;
• attendance at a wedding or funeral of a person close to the family
• Penalty Notice charges will rise and payment periods will be reduced.

Headteachers will not be in a position to authorise any pupil absence from school simply on the grounds of a term-time holiday. Parents and carers are strongly advised to consult the DfE website for more details and not to make arrangements without knowledge of what is meant by exceptional circumstances.  Only then should they make their case to the Headteacher or e-mail the Education Welfare Service on education.welfare@eastriding.gov.uk. for further advice. It is to your advantage to have this discussion prior to any plans being made.

Having done this, if you wish to make an application for Leave of Absence, please download the East Riding of Yorkshire Council Absence from School for Exceptional Circumstances Request Form. This should be completed, signed and sent into school.

Regretfully, we cannot accept emailed copies of this Form, as it is essential that we receive a signed original document. Thank you for your co-operation.

 Download Absence from School in Exceptional Circumstances Request Form

For full information, please refer to the detailed guidance notes.