Transition Brochure

Parents do not have the right to take their child out of school for holidays in term-time.
Should there be exceptional circumstances that require you to take your child out of school
during term-time, a Leave of Absence Form - Holiday-Absence-Application-Form.pdf (kinged.suffolk.sch.uk)
Hard copies are available Reception.
• If Leave of Absence is granted, the absence is recorded as authorised. The
government views absences for holidays as unauthorised
• If the school refuses a request for term-time Leave of Absence and the child is still
taken out of school anyway, this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence on the
child’s attendance record and school report, and a Penalty Notice may be issued.
Medical Appointments:
Orthodontists and other medical professionals should be able to accommodate
appointments outside school hours. Please aim for either early morning or late afternoon
appointments. This will ensure that your child is able to complete at least a portion of their
school day, and it minimises the impact of their absence on their attainment.
Please inform the school by writing a note in your child’s planner, emailing
attendance@king-ed.suffolk.sch.uk or leaving a telephone message on the Absence Line
(01284 761393, option 1). Where applicable, please provide us with a copy of the medical
card, text or letter regarding your child’s medical appointment.
Holidays:
We recognise that it is more expensive to take a holiday during school breaks and that is
why many parents request term-time leave of absence for their child. It is important,
however, that parents fully consider the implications of taking their child out of school on
their child’s education. If an absence is not authorised, we may issue a Penalty Notice or
begin legal proceedings.
Attendance Record:
It is also important to remember that students should attend school every day that school is
available.
‘Authorised Absence’ is usually:
• Illness
• Emergency dental/medical appointment
• Day of religious observance
• Family bereavement
• Extended family visits abroad (only when prior approval has been given).
Except in the case of illness, absence permission must be sought well in advance of the
intended date(s). If your child is absent for four days or more, you may require medical
evidence. In the case of absence owing to chronic/recurring illness, you will be asked to
provide a medical certificate, Consultant or GP letter.
‘Unauthorised Absence’ is likely to be recorded for:
Day trips, visiting relatives, shopping, family holidays (see above), birthdays or looking after
brothers or sisters etc. A Penalty Notice is likely to be issued in this instance.
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