Stifford Clays Primary School Whitmore Avenue, Stifford Clays, Grays, Essex

Stifford Clays Primary School Whitmore Avenue, Stifford Clays, Grays, Essex. RM16 2ST Telephone: 01375 373866 Fax: 01375 391909 Website: www.stiffordclaysprimary.thurrock.sch.uk Headteacher: Mr A L Peltier BEd Hons, NPQH, MBTI Chair of Governors: Mrs J Crawford Link to School App: http://app.jigsawschoolapps.com/get/stiffordclays REQUEST FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES This form must be completed by the parent or carer and forwarded to the Headteacher of Stifford Clays Primary School prior to the period of absence. Name of Child: …………………………………………………………………… Class: ………………………… Period for which leave of absence is sought: From: Day………… Month……….…….……. Year……..… To: Day……...… Month…………..……….. Year…..…… Names of other siblings (if any) for whom leave of absence is being requested: Name: ………………………………………….. School Attended: ……………………………………. ………………………………………….. ……………………………………. …………………………………………... …………………………………….. The Governors of Stifford Clays Primary School wish to stress that: 1. There is no “right” to leave of absence during term time. 2. Schools have a duty in law to keep pupil absence to a minimum. 3. Nationally, Government policy is to encourage schools to minimise the amount of teaching and learning time lost as a result of term time holidays, and schools are now expected to adopt a much more challenging response to such requests. 4. For all the above reasons requests from parents and carers for children to be allowed to take holidays during term time at Stifford Clays Primary School will normally be refused and, if taken will be deemed to be an unauthorised absence, and that the matter may be referred to the Council’s Education Welfare Service for consideration of further action. Exceptional Circumstances The governors of the school will consider requests for leave of absence where there exceptional circumstances. These may include: A close relative is terminally ill and the absence is likely to be the last such absence. The absence is for a one-off, never to be repeated occasion which can only take place at the time requested. Up to three days absence would be reasonable for religious observance. There are other exceptional circumstances where absence may be granted, such as for an approved educational activity, for example: An audition for a prestigious performance or admission to a specialist organisation. A talented pupil wishing to perform on tour either solo or as part of a wider group or ensemble. Even in exceptional circumstances leave of absence will not normally be granted: If a child’s attendance over the previous 20 school week period is less than 95%. If the period of absence coincides with the start of term, or is near to or coincides with tests, SATs or other significant events in the school calendar. Please give the specific reasons for the requested leave of absence. This section must be completed in order for the request to be considered. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... I have read and understood the school’s policy on leave of absence during term time contained on this form. Date: …………………………… Signature: ………………………..….…….……………….. Parent / Carer FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Number of (school) days requested …………………………… Percentage of days attended in last 20 school weeks …………………………… Current years attendance as at ……….…………..….. ………………….……...% Previous years attendance …………………………% No. of days authorised, if any …………………………… Authorised by: …………………………………………… Date:Leave .………………… of Absence Request…- 9/15 FACTS ABOUT ATTENDANCE Term time leave is not an entitlement MINIMUM satisfactory attendance at secondary school is 92% MINIMUM satisfactory attendance at primary school is 95% Most children should attend 97% or more of the time. This is the same as having 6 days off a year. BUT 100% IS ACHIEVABLE AND IS ACHIEVED BY MANY 90% attendance is the same as having ½ day off every week 80% attendance is the same as having a whole day off every week If you take a two week holiday in term time your child’s attendance will be less than 95% If you take a two week term-time holiday every year in primary school your child will have missed 14 weeks of school. This will harm their education. If you take a two week term-time holiday every year in secondary school your child will have missed ANOTHER 10 weeks education by the time they sit their GCSEs, even if they haven’t had a single day off for illness. 10 weeks off school WILL AFFECT THEIR EXAM RESULTS. The law says that all children should be kept in full-time education. Keeping children away from school for no reason is a CRIMINAL OFFENCE. .

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