Authorised Holiday absence

 

 

September 2008

 

 

Dear Parents/Carers

 

Every year we receive a variety of requests from parents for permission to remove students from school in order to take a holiday in term time.  Whilst we attempt to address these requests fairly and objectively, our view on this issue has always been clear and unequivocal.  The school believes very firmly that such absence from school can and often does have a damaging effect upon the education and progress of the child concerned and we therefore discourage the practice.  We do appreciate, however, that there may on occasion be particular or extenuating circumstances and thus we treat every case on its merits.

 

It is appropriate, therefore, at the beginning of this new school year, that I make clear Meole Brace School's policy on this issue so that you as parents may make your arrangements accordingly.  Applications for leave of absence should continue to be made in line with existing guidelines, that is via your child's Year Team Leader.

 

Providing that your child's school attendance record is satisfactory and that adequate prior notice is given, the school may then authorise up to, but no more than five working days absence.  Regrettably, we will not normally be able to agree to any absence extending beyond this five day period.  In addition, please note that this concession applies to Years 8 to 10, but not to Year 11 students.  Year 11 groups have remaining to them a little over two terms of study time in their critical GCSE examination year.  In these circumstances we feel that it would be extremely detrimental for any student in this year group to be absent from school.  Year 7 students may apply for leave of absence only after the completion of the Autumn term so that  their initial settling in period is not disrupted.  Moreover we strongly discourage any such request from Year 9 students during the SATs testing period or Year 10 students during Work Experience or key GCSE examination schedules.  Dates of these events may be obtained from the school at any time.

 

Shropshire County Council has issued a set of helpful guidelines to parents and I enclose a copy for your information.  One particular point to note is that the County Council, via its Educational Welfare Service, has the power to levy a fixed penalty fine of £100 per child on parents who disregard the decision of a school and remove their child or children for holiday purposes when the school has refused permission.

 

I understand, nonetheless, that there may be a range of sensitive issues surrounding an application for leave of absence and therefore any parent may request a personal interview with me in order to discuss their particular circumstances.  Alternatively I may invite you into school in order to meet with you so that I am able to clarify the reasons for your request.

 

Ultimately, as I am sure you will appreciate, the overriding considerations in each case are the welfare and best interests of the child and it is on the basis of these considerations that all decisions are made.

 

May I thank you in advance for your co-operation and assistance in this matter.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

Mrs H Burke

Headteacher

 

 

 

Click on the link below for further information

 

Holiday Form