29 Mar 2006 - Every Lesson Counts
Every Lesson Counts
School View Paramount in Term-time Absences, Judges Rule
The High Court has made a ruling which confirms the law that only a school can authorise leave for the purpose of a holiday in term time.
It is for schools - not parents or magistrates - to decide whether children can be taken out of class in term time to go on holiday, the High Court said today. Defying the school's wishes by attempting to justify unauthorised breaks can lead to court convictions, two senior judges made clear.
Lord Justice Auld, sitting with Mr Justice Sullivan, allowed an appeal by a local education authority against a Bromley magistrates' court decision to acquit a mother-of-three who took her young daughter on two holidays without permission. Mr Justice Sullivan said the mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with failing to secure the attendance of her children at their primary school in breach of the 1996 Education Act. John Aston, PA
While we fully appreciate the value of family holidays, it is important to consider the effect on your child's education if they miss lessons. When planning holidays please remember that:
* New concepts are taught throughout the year; if you go on holiday in term time your child may miss an important step in their learning - Every lesson counts.
* Requests for holiday leave in term time will not be approved without careful consideration of the reasons for the request and the effect the absence may have on the child's education.
* I will not agree holiday leave in term time if permission is only requested just before the holiday is due to take place. Please put in a holiday form before any booking is made!
* I am not willing to agree holiday leave at crucial times in the academic year, for example the beginning of any term (September, January or April) when new topics are introduced.
* I will not agree holiday leave that interferes with assessment and testing (often in May).
* Taking holidays in July is slightly less disruptive to your child's education than other months. The last few days of each term are slightly less disruptive than other times.
If you take your child on holiday without permission it is classified as unauthorised absence (which is the same classification as truancy). The Bracknell Forest Education Welfare Officer is notified of any unauthorised absence.
Extra homework can not be given if you take your children out of school in term time. If children are taken out of school in term time it is the parents' responsibility to check our website for any missed communications from school.
Linda Northover
School View Paramount in Term-time Absences, Judges Rule
The High Court has made a ruling which confirms the law that only a school can authorise leave for the purpose of a holiday in term time.
It is for schools - not parents or magistrates - to decide whether children can be taken out of class in term time to go on holiday, the High Court said today. Defying the school's wishes by attempting to justify unauthorised breaks can lead to court convictions, two senior judges made clear.
Lord Justice Auld, sitting with Mr Justice Sullivan, allowed an appeal by a local education authority against a Bromley magistrates' court decision to acquit a mother-of-three who took her young daughter on two holidays without permission. Mr Justice Sullivan said the mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with failing to secure the attendance of her children at their primary school in breach of the 1996 Education Act. John Aston, PA
While we fully appreciate the value of family holidays, it is important to consider the effect on your child's education if they miss lessons. When planning holidays please remember that:
* New concepts are taught throughout the year; if you go on holiday in term time your child may miss an important step in their learning - Every lesson counts.
* Requests for holiday leave in term time will not be approved without careful consideration of the reasons for the request and the effect the absence may have on the child's education.
* I will not agree holiday leave in term time if permission is only requested just before the holiday is due to take place. Please put in a holiday form before any booking is made!
* I am not willing to agree holiday leave at crucial times in the academic year, for example the beginning of any term (September, January or April) when new topics are introduced.
* I will not agree holiday leave that interferes with assessment and testing (often in May).
* Taking holidays in July is slightly less disruptive to your child's education than other months. The last few days of each term are slightly less disruptive than other times.
If you take your child on holiday without permission it is classified as unauthorised absence (which is the same classification as truancy). The Bracknell Forest Education Welfare Officer is notified of any unauthorised absence.
Extra homework can not be given if you take your children out of school in term time. If children are taken out of school in term time it is the parents' responsibility to check our website for any missed communications from school.
Linda Northover