Holidays during the school term

In Newham, many children miss school because they go on holiday with their parents during the school term. We understand that these visits are often very important to your family. However we also need to consider your child's schooling, because taking your child out of school during team time can seriously disadvantage the educational opportunities available.

Here you will find out about:

• What the law says about children missing school because they are on holiday
• What you must do if you want your child to go on holiday during term time
• Where you can get help and support

Holidays during term time - the law

Once your child is on a school's register, the law requires you to send them to school every day it is open. However, their head teacher can agree to a holiday during term time.

The head must consider each case carefully and will look at:

• The effect on the child's education
• The number of days the child will be away
• The attendance record of the child
• Whether the child has missed school because of a holiday in the past

There is no right to time off for holidays, and heads can only agree to a holiday of more than two weeks in exceptional circumstances.

How to apply for a short holiday

A short holiday means one that lasts for ten school days or less.

Please tell your child's class teacher. Give as much notice as you can. The teacher will tell you if your request has a lot of unauthorised absence. If your child has a lot of unauthorised absence, we will consider taking legal action against you.

How to apply for an extended holiday or more than one short holiday

An extended holiday means one that involves missing more than ten school days.

For an extended holiday you must apply in writing. your letter should say:

• When your child will be away from school
• The date your child will come back
• How the school can contact you when you are away, if possible

The head teacher will look at the length of the trip and the education, and will let you have a decision as soon as possible (generally within a week).