The East Bergholt Pyramid of schools
REQUEST TO TAKE A CHILD OUT OF SCHOOL DURING TERM TIME
Dear Parents
As you will be aware, there is a high correlation between good school attendance and good pupil/student
achievements. A child or young person who misses two weeks of school each year loses roughly two terms
of education during the years of compulsory schooling. Avoiding term-time absences to obtain the best
possible attendance is very important if we are to maximise your child’s chances. Maximising attendance
at school is a key priority both locally and nationally.
It is expected that pupil/student absence such as: holidays; days out with relatives and family treats will
be organised during the 13 weeks school closure period.
Leave of absence for a family holiday in term time will not be authorised unless there are very exceptional
circumstances.
Please submit this form at least six weeks before any requested period of planned absence.
This form should NOT be used for the following instances:
 Pupil/student illness and Emergency dental/medical appointments
– please notify school as soon as possible
 Day of religious observance, Family bereavement/Funerals and External exams (e.g. dance and
music exams) – please request prior permission in a short letter
Implementation of Penalty Notices to tackle non-school attendance
The Education Attendance Service on behalf of Suffolk County Council and School Academies will issue
fixed penalty notices (£60 per pupil per parent if paid within 21 days or £120 per pupil per parent if paid
within 28 days).
The Local Authority states that the issuing of a Penalty Notice is considered appropriate
 Where a pupil/student has taken holiday during term-time and the absence is not authorised by the
school.
 Where a pupil/student is stopped with parents/carers during a truancy sweep and the absence is not
authorised by the school.
 Where a pupil/student has been identified for the first time as having 10 sessions of unauthorised
absence in the current school term (5 school days).
Further information on Penalty Notices can be obtained from the Suffolk County Council website.
Yours sincerely
Colin Turner
Headteacher
The East Bergholt Pyramid of schools
REQUEST TO TAKE A CHILD OUT OF SCHOOL DURING TERM TIME
For Parents/Carers:
To be completed and returned six weeks to School’s Attendance Officer/Headteacher in advance of a
planned absence:
I understand the school, pyramid and Local Authority position on granting leave of absence during term
time. I would like to request a period of absence for:
Name
Name
Name
Class
Class
Class
This request has also been made for the following siblings at another school:
Name
Name
Name
From
School
School
School
To
Total School
Days
Please attach a letter explaining why this period of absence cannot be taken during school holidays.
Signed:…….......................……………………………….(Parent/Carer) Date:………..................................
Please note a reply to this completed form may be made by email.
For school use:
Signature of
Headteacher
Date
Authorised
Unauthorised (and as such
will result in a referral to the
Education Attendance
Service)
Other School contacted: Yes / No / Not applicable
email contact made with family: Yes/No
Code to be used ……………………………….
Copy (please circle) :
To Parents
For Pupil/student File
For Attendance File