Family holidays in term time

The Government has informed Haringey Local Authority to tighten up on parents taking holidays during term time. Haringey Education Welfare Services have warned all schools that parents will face Fixed Penalty Fines for any period of unauthorised absence when their child is absent from school.

It is inevitable that time lost by young people due to family holidays taken in term time can be disruptive to their education. We advise that wherever possible, absence from school should be avoided as it can have a serious effect on your child’s educational progress, and can create difficulties for them on their return to school.

If, after serious consideration of this, you still propose to take your child away from school during term-time, it is important to note that only the CEO or Associate Head can authorise an absence during term time. Parents/Carers cannot authorise the absence themselves, which means that permission should be requested and agreed before tickets are booked. A possible consequence is a fine or your child been taken off the school roll, meaning that you will need to reapply for a secondary school place. Please click here for the exceptional absence form.

Therefore, whenever possible, we would ask that family holidays should take place during school holidays. There are approximately 190 statutory school days in one year and 175 days allocated to weekends and school term holidays; which are available to use for other purposes. Therefore, every day counts in school! Government research suggests that 17 missed school days a year = a GCSE grade DROP in achievement. Only in extreme exceptional circumstances will the CEO or Associate Head grant leave from school during term-time.

RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE

The school MUST be informed, preferably in advance, if you wish to take your child out of school for a religious festival. The school allows one day to be taken for religious observance. If you require an additional day, a holiday request form should be completed in advance. Many staff members at school work very hard to help your child to succeed and achieve their best potential. I trust you will support us in this matter, in partnership with Gladesmore School.

Thank you for your continued support.

Ms D Hall 
Gladesmore Education Welfare Officer
020 8800 0884 (Option 1)