Attendance and holidays
As a school, we fully appreciate the financial difficulties that some parents face when booking holidays, particularly during school holidays. However, there is an expectation that all schools introduce firm policies and stringent checks to ensure that there is a significant reduction in the number of absence during term time.
The Government say: ‘The earlier schools address poor attendance patterns, the less likely it is that they will become a long term issue. The best schools realise this and take a rigorous approach to poor attendance from the very start of school life.’
From the 1st September 2013, the new law does not give any entitlement to parents to take their child on holiday during term time. Any applications for leave of absence must be in exceptional circumstances and the Headteacher must be satisfied that the circumstances warrant the granting of leave. According to the DfE the only circumstance that qualifies as an exception to this rule relates to breaks of leave in the Armed Forces.
Procedure for term time holiday requests
For West Kirby School and College pupils, requests should be made to the school in writing, either by letter or email, at least 2 weeks in advance of absence. Parents/Carers will be advised whether leave has been authorised or not and whether the Local Authority will be notified and a fine incurred.
I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the school to thank you for your full support in this matter by not taking your child out of school during term time. This new legislation will increase attendance and improve standards in our school.
Miss S Thomas
Principal