In order that children may achieve their full potential good school attendance is essential. All parents are reminded of the guidelines which appear on the reverse of the Termtime Absence Request form:

"Only in very rare circumstances can absence from school be justified. In each class the children work to a carefully planned and structured programme of study and any absence can be detrimental to a child's progress - not just during the absence but also afterwards when the class will be building on previous learning. It is not always possible for teachers to repeat a shared class experience.

I would also ask you to consider how the children might think of it. Perhaps they could receive an impression that holidays are more important than school and learning, or that their parents do not value schooling, or simply that school does not matter. Children are far more perceptive to these 'hidden messages' than we give them credit for. Please do not think ..."it's only for this year" or "...a couple of days will not make much difference", because in the primary years even a day can be significant in terms of lost opportunities or change of attitude.

Please note, approval for holiday absence will not be given:  

• if the child's attendance in the previous full school year has been less than 90%  
• in the run up to National Test (Year 2 and Year 6)
• in the first two full weeks of the school year

N.B.:

• Absence from school for an annual family holiday or extended trip abroad can be authorised only by the school
• Absence for a holiday of more than two weeks will not be granted, unless there are exceptional circumstances 
• Absence not approved by the school in writing and in advance will be recorded as 'unauthorised