Holidays During Term Time
At Cookridge Holy Trinity, we want every child to attend school every day so that they can fully benefit from their learning, develop friendships and feel a strong sense of belonging within our school community. Regular attendance gives children the best opportunity to flourish academically, socially and emotionally.
Parents and carers have a legal responsibility to ensure that their child receives a suitable full-time education and attends school regularly.
The Government’s guidance is clear that family holidays should not be taken during term time. A leave of absence can only be authorised where an application is made in advance and the Headteacher is satisfied that there are exceptional circumstances which require the absence to take place during term time. The cost of a holiday, the availability of cheaper flights or accommodation, or the convenience of taking a holiday during term time are not considered exceptional circumstances.
If you believe your child needs to be absent from school due to exceptional circumstances, you must complete an Application for Exceptional Leave During Term Time form and submit it to the school before any arrangements are made. Each request will be considered on an individual basis.
Please note that failure to submit an application does not prevent an absence from being investigated. If the school has reason to believe that a child has been taken on holiday during term time, the absence may be recorded as unauthorised and referred in line with Leeds City Council and national attendance guidance.
Where leave is not authorised and a child is absent from school, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. In line with Leeds City Council procedures and the national penalty notice framework, an unauthorised holiday may result in a penalty notice being considered. Penalty notices are issued per parent, per child. This means that where parents live separately, both parents may be liable for a penalty notice, regardless of which parent arranged the holiday.
We recognise that families can sometimes face difficult circumstances and encourage parents and carers to speak to us if they require support or advice. By working together, we can ensure that every child benefits from the continuity of learning, experiences and opportunities that school provides.
Application for Exceptional Leave During Term Time Form