CASTLE ACADEMY
ST GEORGES STREET
NORTHAMPTON
NN1 2TR
Telephone:01604 638679
email:
Academy Principal: Mrs L Beard
Leave of absence and holiday requests
Government guidelines, which came into effect on 1st September 2013, prevent Headteachers from granting any leave of absence during term time, unless there are exceptional circumstances. A family holiday during term time does not fall into the category of ‘exceptional circumstances’.
Unfortunately, if your request does not fall under the exceptional circumstances criteria, it will not be authorised by the school. I must advise you should you go ahead with the leave, we will refer this to the Local Authority (Education Entitlement Services) and they may choose to issue you with a financial penalty notice.
Parents can be fines by the Local Authority for taking their child on holiday during term time without the consent of the school.
This is as follows:
Fixed penalty notices can be imposed by the Local Authority as follows: A fixed penalty notice of £60.00 would be issued to each parent for each child i.e. a 2 parent family with 2 children = £240.00. The following would also apply: £60.00 if paid within 21 days of receipt of the notice, rising to £120.00 if paid after 21 days but within 28 days of receipt.
I must also remind you that the Local Authority impose the fixed penalty notice and the school does not benefit financially from this.
Please be aware, however, that for safeguarding purposes we must be aware of your child’s whereabouts in term time. Please follow the guidance below should your child be absent during term time:
-On the rare occasion that your son/daughter is too unwell to attend school, please contact our 24 hour absence line before 9am on the day of absence by telephoning the school on 01604 638679.
-If you plan to withdraw your child from the school for a fixed period of absence, please inform the Academy Principal of the school in writing.
I realise that the vast majority of parents do not take family holidays in term time as they recognise the significant impact this can have on their child education. We support the Government stance on trying to reduce the amount of school missed due to holidays and we hope you will continue to support us by not planning a family holiday during term time.
Yours Sincerely
Mrs L. Beard
Academy Principal
EMLC Academy Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under registered number 08149829 and registered address Bridge House, Bridge Street, Olney, Bucks, MK46 4AB. Castle Academy is a business name of EMLC Academy Trust.
CASTLE ACADEMY
Leave of absence to pupils to accompany parents on annual holiday or other exceptional circumstances
Unfortunately due to the Government’s Directive NO Holiday leave will be authorised at Castle Academy.
Exceptional Circumstances will be reviewed by the Head Teacher.
If families with children absent for several days for unauthorised reasons are more likely to receive a fixed penalty notice and families who take students out of school during term time for a family holiday are particularly at risk of this.
Fixed penalty notices can be imposed by the Local Authority as follows: A fixed penalty notice of £60.00 would be issued to each parent for each child i.e. a 2 parent family with 2 children = £240.00. The following would also apply: £60.00 if paid within 21 days of receipt of the notice, rising to £120.00 if paid after 21 days but within 28 days of receipt.
I must also remind you that the Local Authority impose the fixed penalty notice and the school does not benefit financially from this.
If any child is off unauthorised, longer than 20 school days they may be taken off the school roll and you would have to apply for a place with-in the school upon your return.
Name of Pupil…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Class Teacher …………………………………………………………………………………………………
Destination……………………………………………………………………………………………………
First date of absence…………………………………Date returning to school ………………………………………
Date…………………………………………
Signature of Parent/Guardian …………………………………………………….
I confirm that the above leave request has been authorised
I confirm that the above holiday request has been unauthorised
Date………………………….Head Teacher ……………………………………………………………………….