Holidays during school term time

This article contains information on parental responsibilities to ensure their child’s school attendance and advice on taking a holiday during term time.

Parental responsibilities

As a parent you have a legal responsibility to make sure your child gets a full-time education.  You can find out more information on the government website.

Schools are required by law to keep attendance registers.  Absences must either be marked as:

  • authorised (only the school can authorise the absence) or
  • unauthorised (where no acceptable reason is given)

Holidays in term time

In line with government guidance and legislation, parents are advised not to take holidays in term time.  If holidays are taken during this time, schools can record such absences as unauthorised and a Penalty Notice (fine of up to £120 per parent per child) or other formal procedures may follow.

The council have also produced a parents and carers guide to penalty notices.