Holidays

The DfE are very clear that term-time holidays are not an acceptable reason for a child to be out of school. Their guidance states:

You have to get permission from the head teacher if you want to take your child out of school during term time.

You can only do this if:

• you make an application to the head teacher in advance (as a parent the child normally lives with)
• there are exceptional circumstances

It’s up to the head teacher how many days your child can be away from school if leave is granted.

Requesting absence in term-time

In line with this guidance, any requests for absence must be submitted prior to the planned absence using a form which can be collected from the academy office. It is extremely rare that any request will be authorised by the Co-Principals. While we appreciate that holiday costs rise significantly during school breaks (as this is something that also affects our staff), this will not lead to an authorised request.

Where exceptional circumstances are being considered, evidence is likely to be requested.

Fines for absence in term-time

CVPA works with Buckinghamshire Council on term-time absence and refer unauthorised absences of more than 5 days for a fine. The fine is £60.

Please be aware that if the fine is applied, it is per parent, per child. So for a family of 4 with two parents and two children a total fine of £240 would be applied.

Where there are extenuating circumstances, such as a death or a medical emergency, the Council may stop the fine if they receive relevant evidence. Such evidence must go to the council rather than the academy, though we can forward it on to them on your behalf, should you wish.

The fines are applied and received by the Council and the money does not come to the academy.