Fixed-Penalty Notices for Holidays in Term-Time
Advice to Parents (In line with Government Guidelines Copthall School will now be using the Fixed-penalty Notice Scheme). Fixed-penalty Notices for Holidays in Term-Time – You should be aware that parents are liable to receive fixed-penalty notices from the Local Authority if they take their children out of school to go on holiday.
If there are special circumstances involved, you must seek authorisation from the Headteacher by completing the Application for Special Leave of Absence Form available from the school office. In considering whether to grant requests for term-time leave, the following points will be considered:
· the circumstances involved
· the time and length of the proposed leave
· the child’s record of attendance
· any previous leave of absence requested in respect of the child
· if it is close to exams or tests (SATs in Year 9; GCSEs)
If your child is taken out of school without permission, or where permission has been refused, the absences will be marked as unauthorised and each parent will receive a separate Penalty Notice for each child taken out of school, under the Education (Penalty Notices) (England) Regulations 2004.
Fixed-penalty Notices require payment to the sum of £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 28 days. Failure to pay within 42 days will lead to prosecution in a Magistrates’ Court. There is no right of appeal against a Fixed-penalty Notice.
Parents should rest assured that each application is treated sympathetically and on its merits and that any decision not to authorise leave of absence is based on professional assessment. It is hoped that you will give your support and cooperation on the matter of term-time holidays and by working together, the matter of Fixed-penalty Notices should not need to arise. |
