Holidays, leave of absence in term time and penalty notices
Holiday term times can be found on the school’s website. Pyrcroft Grange Primary School has a two-week Autumn half term break which we hope will help you to book a holiday when prices are a little cheaper. We strongly recommend that parent/carers DO NOT book their family holidays during term time as these will not be authorised and may incur a Penalty Notice being issued.
Absence from school can seriously disrupt your child’s continuity of learning. Not only do they miss the teaching provided on the days they are away, but they are also less well prepared for lessons upon their return. There is a consequent risk of under-achievement. Above all, missing school seriously affects children’s longer-term life opportunities.
Pyrcroft Grange Primary School will not authorize holidays or leave of absence in term times, except in exceptional circumstances determined by the Head Teacher. Evidence will be sought to substantiate exceptional circumstances. Should a parent wish to apply for any leave of absence within term time then this must be made in writing to the Head Teacher at least two weeks in advance. An ‘Application for Leave of Absence’ form can be obtained from the school office. If holidays or absence are taken, without prior authorisation, the child’s absence will be recorded as unauthorised in the school register, and you may still incur a Penalty Notice.
Holidays which are requested for the following reasons will not be authorized:
- Availability of cheap holidays
- Availability of the desired accommodation
- Poor weather experienced in school holiday periods
- Overlap with beginning or end of term
- Visiting family abroad
- Change of transport dates
Unauthorised absence of 5 consecutive days or more will incur a Penalty Notice.
The Inclusion Service, acting on behalf of Surrey County Council, may issue a Penalty Notice as an alternative to the prosecution of parent(s)/carer(s) for their child(ren)’s unauthorised absence from school, and requires the recipient(s) to pay a fixed amount.
The amount payable on issue of a Penalty Notice is £60 per parent/carer per child if paid within 21 days of receipt of the Notice, rising to £120 per parent/carer per child if paid after 21 days but within 28 days. If the Penalty Notice is not paid within 28 days, the Local Authority must prosecute the parent(s)/carer(s) for failing to ensure regular school attendance under Section 444 Education Act 1996.
