Leave of Absence Request
Leave of Absence During Term Time
Regular attendance is important because every school day matters. Missing school can affect a child’s learning, progress, routines and relationships. There is no automatic entitlement to leave during term time. The Headteacher can only authorise leave where the circumstances are considered exceptional, and each request is considered individually.
Requesting leave
If you need to request leave during term time, please complete our online form before the proposed absence.
Please give us enough information to understand the reason for the absence, the dates requested and why it needs to take place during term time. You can also tell us about any supporting evidence which may be relevant.
One form can be used for siblings attending Mapperley Plains.
Please do not assume leave has been authorised until you have received written confirmation from school.
How we consider requests
The Headteacher will consider the circumstances of each request individually. If leave is authorised, the Headteacher will also decide how much leave is appropriate, so the full period requested may not always be agreed.
Requests must be made in advance. Leave of absence cannot be authorised retrospectively.
Family holidays during term time will not usually be considered exceptional circumstances. Good attendance does not, by itself, mean that a term-time holiday can be authorised. Before making arrangements, please check our school term dates and INSET days.
Unauthorised absence
If leave is not authorised and your child is absent, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. The national threshold for considering a penalty notice is 10 unauthorised sessions within a rolling 10-school-week period. This can include a combination of different types of unauthorised absence. When the threshold is reached, the school must consider whether a penalty notice is appropriate
Further information about penalty notices is available from Nottinghamshire County Council.
School Attendance and the Law – Nottinghamshire County Council
If attendance is becoming difficult
If there is something affecting your child’s attendance, please speak to us as early as possible. We want to work with families to understand any barriers and provide support where we can. Nottinghamshire County Council also recommends contacting your child’s school in the first instance if attendance is becoming difficult.