Process for requesting leave of absence

The 2006 School Attendance Regulations make it clear that a Headteacher may not grant any leave of absence during term time for holidays.

There is no entitlement to time off during term time.

Only in an exceptional circumstance will term time leave be considered. 

We will consider requests for leave of absence to take part in a regulated performance or employment, when supported by a licence issued by a local authority.

Parents wishing to apply for leave of absence need to complete an application form well in advance and before booking tickets or making travel arrangements.

Forms are available at the school office.

Informing the school verbally is not the same as submitting an application form.

You will need to provide the following information:

• Evidence for the reason for your child’s absence.*
• The address where your child will be staying.
• Contact details of the adult responsible for your child at that address and their relationship to the child.
• Proof of your planned return date (such as flight tickets). If you can't provide this, you must give a reason and any supporting evidence.

*Parents are responsible for providing this evidence.

If your child goes abroad during a school holiday, ensure they return on time for the new school term - https://www.tudorprimary.co.uk/term-dates/ 

• Any illness before or after a holiday must be reported during the absence, and medical proof provided when they return. Otherwise, the absence will be marked as unauthorised.
• Leave for exceptional circumstances cannot be granted after the fact.
• If you did not apply in advance, leave will not be granted, and the absence will be unauthorised, which may result in a fine.
• If a child’s location is unknown, they may be considered ‘Missing Education’ and could lose their school place.

• If you're delayed in returning from a trip, you must provide documents proving the original return date (e.g., tickets or a travel plan).
• Medical evidence should be in English.
• Prolonged absence at the start of a term could put your child’s school place at risk.

• A Penalty Notice  may be issued to each parent for each child, in line with the Local Authority Fines Protocol Ealing School Attendance Fixed Penalty Notice Protocol

• From August 2024, the fine for school absences across the country will be £80 PER PARENT PER CHILD  if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days

• If you receive another fine within 3 years of the first, the fine will be doubled to £160