The Department for Education (DfE) permits the Headteacher to authorise up to 10 days planned absence in exceptional circumstances such as a child’s illness, bereavement and religious festivals, in any school year.
However, this is at the discretion of the Headteacher and is not an automatic right.
Parents have a legal obligation to ensure children attend school regularly.
Absence without permission is marked as unauthorised. Failure to comply with government legislation can lead to:
the issue of a Penalty Notice by the Courts Manager to each parent/carer
the issue of a summons by the Courts Manager against each parent/carer
the removal of the pupil from the school register.