Term Time Absence

Term Time Absence Request Form - click here to download: legal information

It is a parent’s legal responsibility to ensure their children receive appropriate education. Failing to send your child to school regularly without good reason is a criminal offence. Please also click on School attendance, advice for parents | School attendance, advice for parents | Birmingham City Council

Absence disrupts the education of the individual pupil and the whole class. Are you aware that children who do not attend regularly:

• do not achieve well in exams
• find it difficult to maintain friendships
• are more likely to become involved in crime
• miss out on opportunities in further education and the world of work?

You may be aware that Head Teachers do not have the authority to approve leave during term time except where the circumstances are exceptional. If your child takes leave that has not been authorised by the Head Teacher, it will result in the absence being recorded as unauthorised and legal action may be taken y the Local Authority. Poor attendance can also see legal action taken by the Local Authority.

Family emergencies need careful consideration. It is not always appropriate or in the best interests of the child to miss school for emergencies which are being dealt with by adult family members. Being at school, friendship with peers and support from staff/ the Pastoral Team can provide children with stability. The routine of school offers a safe and familiar background during times of uncertainty.

Please remember that parental illness, going shopping, visiting family, truancy, not wanting to go to school, alleged bullying (speak to school immediately to resolve the issue) are not acceptable reasons to be absent. All of these will be recorded as unauthorised absence, including if your child arrives at school after the close of registration. This can lead to prosecution. 

Should you need to request leave in term time for your child, due to exceptional circumstances, please download the form above and bring in to school for consideration by the Headteacher. You may be asked to a meeting to discuss the absence.

REMINDER: As you may be aware, the rules that schools must follow regarding attendance are changing. 

 Currently, a fine of £60 per child per parent/ carer is charged by Local Authorities when a holiday, or combination of holidays over a year, comes to 5 or more days.

This will rise to £80 per child per parent from September 2024 (doubles if not paid within 21 days). If you do this 3 times within a 3 year period, you can be taken to court and face a significant fine (up to £2500 per parent, per child) – please be aware of this when planning holidays.

 Please note that this is a legal/ statutory duty; schools are not able to approve holidays and must follow the Local Authority and Government rules and legal regulations in reporting absences.