Absence Requests

The law regarding student absence from school changed on 1st September 2013 and the details are given below. In line with all other schools, we are bound by these Regulations.

You can find further information from the Department for Education by visiting  https://www.gov.uk/school-attendance-absence

The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2016, which became law on 1st September 2013, state that Headteachers may not grant leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.

The Headteacher should determine the number of school days a child can be away from school if leave is granted.

In accordance with the above Regulations, requests for leave of absence are treated sympathetically, but only in exceptional circumstances can they be approved. The policy of Surrey County Council, to which this school has agreed, states that parents who take their child out of school for five days or more during term time, without the authority of the Headteacher, will each be liable to receive a penalty notice. Penalty Notices will be issued by the Local Authority.

The penalty is £60 if paid within 21 days of receipt of the notice, rising to £120 if paid after 21 days but within 28 days of receipt of the notice. If the penalty is not paid in full by the end of the 28-day period the Local Authority must prosecute the recipient for failing to ensure regular school attendance under section 444 Education Act 1996.

Please be aware that each parent is liable to receive a Penalty Notice for each child who incurs unauthorised absences, for example, if there are two parents and one child, each parent will receive one Penalty Notice.

If there are two parents and two children incurring unauthorised absences, each parent will receive two Penalty Notices, which in this case would amount to £120 each if paid within 21 days.

All requests for absence during term time must be made on the Absence Request Form available below or from Ms Musk in the main school office. Email requests for this form should be sent to Ms Musk at ymusk@sunburymanor.surrey.sch.uk. Forms should be completed and returned to Ms Musk, with supporting evidence.

Absence Request Form  
Absence Request Form