There is no entitlement to time off during term time.  

Every day counts!  We encourage our families and children to do everything they can to enable their child to achieve 100% punctuality and attendance.  We believe enabling good habits about attendance provide a great start in life as the children move through their school career and into the world of work. We understand that there are inevitably occasional days when particular illness prevents attendance, but ask that parents work with us in encouraging their child to come into school even when they are slightly "under the weather" or just "don't feel like it"!   The school office can administer Calpol (provided parents have completed the necessary forms) and will always ring if things don't improve. 

All absences due to holidays during term time will not be authorised unless there are very exceptional circumstances.

From time to time, however, there are very exceptional circumstances which may lead to a parental request for absence.  Such requests must be made in writing via the completion of an Exceptional Leave  of Absence form for consideration by the headteacher.  Please bear in mind the amended information regarding attendance that all parents will need to be aware of:

The policy of Surrey County Council, to which this school has agreed, states that a Penalty Notice can be issued in cases of unauthorised absence resulting in poor attendance.

The issuing of a Penalty Notice for poor attendance may be considered appropriate in the following circumstances:

Unauthorised absences or late arrival after the close of registration, on 7 occasions in any six week period (not including school closures)
Pupils, identified by Police and Education Welfare Officers engaged on Truancy Patrols, who have incurred unauthorised absence.
When an excluded pupil is found in a public place during school hours within the first 5 school days of exclusion without justifiable reason.
Unauthorised leave of absence in term time (5 days/10 sessions or more within a three month period – this need not be consecutive) without the authorisation of the school.
The penalty is £60 if paid within 21 days of receipt of the notice, rising to £120 if paid after 21 days but within 28 days of receipt of the notice. If the penalty is not paid in full by the end of the 28-day period the Local Authority must prosecute the recipient for failing to ensure regular school attendance under section 444 Education Act 1996.

Please be aware that a Penalty Notice will be issued to each parent liable for the offence or offences for each child in a family with poor attendance (as detailed in the four bullet points above).

Parents should complete exceptional leave of absence forms for all planned absences, which can be completed online via the website, prior to the period of requested leave providing full details of when and why their child needs authorised absence from school.

Please be aware that The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2013, which became law on 1st September 2013 state that Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. The Headteacher should determine the number of school days a child can be away from school if leave is granted.

In accordance with the above Regulations, requests for leave of absence are treated sympathetically, but only in exceptional circumstances can they be approved.

Where a parent is failing to ensure their child’s regular school attendance, and is failing to engage with any supportive measures proposed by the school or Education Welfare, the parent will be sent a formal warning of their liability to receive such a notice before a Penalty Notice is issued.