All appointments should be made outside of school time. Where this is not possible, for example, if it is a specialist appointment, please ensure you ring the Attendance office in advance, and provide proof of the appointment - for example, an appointment letter or text.
If you wish to request leave for your child, for any reason, you will need to complete an exceptional circumstances request form. These can be accessed from the main office in school and will need to be completed regardless of length of, or reason for, absence.
We will not authorise any holiday during term time. Should a parent/carer choose to take their child out of school during term time, we will discuss the case with Leeds City Council to process a penalty fine.
The Government changed the Education (Pupil Registration) Regulations in relation to term time holidays on 1st September 2013. As a result, Head Teachers can no longer allow any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. This means that holidays in term time will not be authorised and will be marked as an unauthorised absence in the school register. You still need to request a holiday form should you be taking your child on holiday during term time - please come to Main Reception to collect one.
Unauthorised absences may result in a Penalty Notice being issued under the provisions of the Education Act 1996 (as amended) which means that you could be fined for your child’s absence.
Penalty Notices are issued by Leeds City Council on our behalf.
- First offence - The first time a Penalty Notice is issued the amount will be: £80 per parent, per child paid within 21 days. This increases to £160 per parent, per child if paid after day 21, until day 28. Any non-payment of the Penalty Notice may be referred to the Magistrates Court.
- Second Offence (within 3 years) - the second time a Penalty Notice is issued the amount will be £160 per parent, per child paid within 28 days. Any non-payment of the Penalty Notice may be referred to the Magistrates Court.
- Third Offence and Any Further Offences (within 3 years) - the third time an offence is committed a Penalty Notice will not be issued, and the case may be presented straight to the Magistrates’ Court under s.444 of the Education Act (1996) or other legal interventions considered. A guilty verdict at the Magistrates’ Court can lead to a fine of up to £1000, and a criminal record which can affect employment opportunities.
