Absences

If a child is absent through illness or any other reason, the school MUST be informed on the first day of absence by telephone.

If possible all medical and dental appointments should be made outside of the school day, however if this is not possible and your child has a medical or dental appointment during the school day, please inform the school office in writing beforehand.

Holidays

Regular school attendance is essential if pupils are to maximise their educational opportunities in order to achieve their full potential. The Governors have a responsibility to ensure that our academy provides all pupils with the best possible education, but we can only do this if pupils attend school regularly and on time. Taking any time out of school for holidays is disruptive to a child’s learning and well-being – and it can be difficult for them to catch up.

The Department for Education (DfE) issued guidance that states:

“The current law does not give any entitlement to parents to take their child on holiday during term time. Any application for leave must be in exceptional circumstances and the Headteacher must be satisfied that the circumstances warrant the granting of leave.

Parents can be fined for taking their child on holiday during term time without consent from the school.”

Therefore the Headteacher may only consider giving permission for a pupil to be absent from school during term time in ‘exceptional circumstances’ and proof will be requested by the Headteacher.

If you choose to disregard this guidance the Local Authority may take legal action under section 444 of the Education Act 1996, which states that you have a legal obligation to ensure that your child attends school regularly.

“Taking unauthorised term time holidays and or persistent absence (below 85%)  may make you liable for a Penalty Notice (fine). The penalty is £60 fine if paid within 21 days of receipt of the Penalty Notice, rising to £120 if paid after 21 days but within 28 days. If the penalty Notice is not paid in full within the 28 day period Sheffield City Council may prosecute. This could result in a fine of up to £1000 plus costs.

St John Fisher Primary – a Catholic Voluntary Academy is committed to raising the profile of attendance and its link to pupil achievement and well-being. It is important therefore that you support us by ensuring that your child attends school on time, every day and by not taking your son/daughter out of school for holidays during term time.

If you feel that there are exceptional circumstances that justify a request please either download  and complete a ‘Request for Exceptional Term Time Leave’ form (below) or speak to the school administration staff who will be pleased to advise you.

If you would like more information on Fixed Penalty Notices you can contact Sheffield City Council on:

• Telephone: 0114 273 5609
• Fax: 0114 205 3524
• Email: CYPDCentralLegalTeam@Sheffield.gov.uk
• Website: www.sheffield.gov.uk

Please click here for more detailed information about holidays during term time.

Please click here to download and print the ‘Request for Exceptional Term Time Leave’ form.