At Anstey Junior School we aim to work closely with parents/carers to achieve and maintain high standards of attendance. There is a clear correlation between attendance and good progress at school. Last year many children achieved 100% attendances during the year. This year we will be awarding ‘Good Attendance Certificates’ to children each term and these will be presented in our Celebration Assemblies. The following information is taken from our school pupil attendance policy and is intended to help parents understand our procedures.
Parents should avoid taking their children away during term time.
Family holidays should not be taken in term time.
In exceptional circumstances the Headteacher will consider the reasons for the holiday, the pupil’s past attendance, and the effect the absence will have on the pupil’s learning and the potential disruption to classes and teachers. The Headteacher will not normally give permission simply because holidays cost less during term time or for family occasions such as birthdays.
Holidays for Year 6 will not be authorised under any circumstances from the start of the spring term until the End of Key Stage tests in May for reasons of preparation for and administration of End of Key Stage Tests.
Holidays During Term Time
In September 2013 the Government introduced new legislation that headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. This means that absences for holidays in term time are likely to be unauthorised. The Government guidance on the dfe website states that parents can be fined for taking their child on holiday during term time without consent from the school. From September 2015, Hampshire County Council has made the decision to fine any parent who has a child with 5 or more days unauthorised absence. In this situation both parents will be fined. If a second unauthorised absence of 5 or more days occurs this will result in parents being taken to court.