In September 2022, attendance guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) was produced to help schools, trusts, governing bodies, and local authorities maintain high levels of school attendance. Following public consultation earlier this year, and subject to Parliament, the Secretary of State has committed to this guidance becoming statutory when parliamentary time allows (this will be no sooner than September 2023).

Working together to improve school attendance (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Holidays in Term Time

 Government regulations on holidays during term time have changed considerably . The Department for Education now states:-

Amendments to the 2006 regulations remove references to family holiday and extended leave as well as the statutory threshold of ten school days. The amendments make clear that Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. Parents taking their children out of school without prior authorisation are committing an offence and could be subject to a Fixed Penalty Notice or prosecution. As a school we would really like to avoid that situation but the new regulations may not leave us with any choice.

You can view the amended regulations at: 

http://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/education/welfareservice/Attendance/home.aspx

As a school we will have to adhere to these amendments in the law, strictly and fairly to ensure equity for all families. The Educational Welfare Officer conducts regular inspections of attendance. Penalty notices may be issued which will incur fines for poor attendance. Your child’s education will suffer if they have time off school.  If you have any concerns about your child’s attendance please contact the headteacher and they  will be more than happy to meet with you or discuss your concerns over the phone.