Holme On Spalding Moor Primary School
School Attendance
Parents are legally responsible for ensuring their children receive education in accordance with section 7 of the Education Act 1996 and, if on a school roll, that they attend regularly.
Absence from school
The Primary Behaviour and Attendance Partnership, the Secondary Twilight Partnership and the council agree to follow the law, which states that the provision for Headteachers to authorise absence solely for the purpose of a family holiday is not considered an exceptional circumstance.
Under the amended legislation, ‘exceptional circumstances’ are one-off events which are unavoidable. Exceptional circumstances could include:
- Service personnel returning from a tour of duty abroad where it is evidenced the individual will not be in receipt of any leave in the near future that coincides with school holidays.
- Where an absence from school is recommended by a health professional as part of a parent or child’s rehabilitation from a medical or emotional issue.
- The death or terminal illness of a person close to the family.
- To attend a wedding or funeral of a person close to the family.
- Where there are exceptional and unforeseen circumstances that fall outside of 1 to 4 above, the Headteacher agrees to consult with the principal education welfare officer prior to any authorisation being given to the parent. The principal education welfare officer will discuss each case with an independent Headteacher and will make a recommendation to the referring school.
Evidence will be required in each case.
If a request meets the above exceptional circumstances, but falls within the following times of the school year, the headteacher must be convinced that absence from school is the only option:
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The first half-term of any academic year (applies to all pupils)
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year six transition day (for pupils in year six)
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year six SATs week (for pupils in year six)
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at any time specified by the school (this will be communicated to parents by each school).
Every School Day Matters - Penalty Notice Information
Absence for School for Exceptional Circumstances (ASEC) Request Form