Holidays During Term Time/Absence Request Form

Please can parents/carers consider the following very carefully before taking their children out of school for a holiday during term time:

The Penryn Partnership Absence Request Form (which can be located in the download box below) needs to be completed and handed in prior to the time of the absence, explaining why the absence cannot be taken during the school holidays. You may be invited into school to discuss your request.

The school will only authorise the absence in exceptional circumstances.

When a request is received for a holiday during term time, each one is looked at on an individual basis. Parents/carers are then informed of the decision, with a letter sent to confirm this. They are also made aware of the legal information from the local authority.

If you decide to take your child out of school and it has not been authorised, you will be committing an offence under the Education Act 1996. We may refer the matter to Cornwall Council, who may decide to take legal action against you.

A penalty notice can be issued under Section 444A and 444B of the Education Act 1996. This carries a fine per child, per parent of £60 if paid within 21 days, or £120 if paid after this, but within 28 days. Failure to pay the penalty notice may result in court action. Persistent absences not authorised by the school may result in a prosecution in the magistrates’ court, leading to fines up to £2,500 and/or custodial sentences. The Council may also apply for the costs incurred in taking the matter to court.

Pupils need to attend school for both academic and social reasons, and every day missed is over five hours of learning that the child has to catch up on. An absence of 5 days equates to over 25 hours of learning missed.