Dear Parents
I am writing to inform you of the Government’s intention to change procedures surrounding holidays taken in term time.
Previously, as Headteacher, I have been permitted to authorise up to ten days leave of absence for “Special Circumstances”. With effect from September 2013, amendments to the 2006 regulations have come into force. The amendments make it clear that, as Headteacher, I may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are “exceptional circumstances”. If this is the case, I should determine the number of school days your child can be away from school.
If a parent were to choose to ignore these regulations then there would be a Penalty Notice issued; the timescale for paying will be £60.00 within 21 days or £120.00 within 28 days. Please be aware that Penalty Notices are issued to each parent/carer for each child.
In the past we have been able to manage the process effectively; the diverse needs of our families have been valued and parents/carers have respected decisions made. My plan is for us to continue to work in partnership, taking account of the new regulations and following the “exceptional circumstances only” criteria. We have adjusted our Leave of Absence Request Form accordingly.
This letter and the revised request form are available from the school office and can be found on our school website, along with additional information from Wiltshire Local Authority plus links to the Department for Education website .
Yours sincerely,
Pam Evans
Head Teacher