Term time holidays
As you know, pupils of school age must, by law, attend school regularly. If your child is to be away from school you need to put in a written request for leave of absence and for this absence to be approved (authorised), which it will be when there is a good reason.
You cannot yourself authorise a child’s absence. This school, the Adult, Children and Family Services and many parents are working in partnership to enable children to reach their full potential and this requires regular attendance at school.
The legislation by the Government on school attendance for holidays in term time changed from 1st September 2013. Schools are not permitted to grant leave of absence for holidays unless there are exceptional circumstances.
The exceptional circumstances agreed by the Local Authority and Governing Body for Stoneferry Primary for authorising holidays in term time are:
Time off school during statutory test times will not be authorised. It is important that all parents should be aware of the implications that are now in place for taking holidays in term time as this can disrupt your child’s progress and achievements. Not only do children miss the teaching provided on the days they are away, they are also less prepared for the lessons building on this learning after their return. Children’s progress can be slowed and there may also be a risk of future underachievement.
If parents chose to take their child out of school for a holiday that is not authorised by the school, the Local Authority (LA) receive our attendance data and it is the LA (not the school) who may then issue a Penalty Notice fine of £60 per parent, per child, to be paid within 21 days. If payment is not received the Penalty Notice will increase to £120 to be paid within 28 days.
Any requests for exceptional circumstance absences during term time will be individually considered by the headteacher, and in some circumstances by the governors, before a decision whether or not to authorise the absence is made.
Yours sincerely
Mrs J Havercroft
Head of School
What is your favourite subject and why?
“Art because I like drawing and sometimes my work goes on the wall.”
What is the best thing you have done in school?
“The best thing I’ve done at school was going to William’s Den and building my own den.”
What do you like about the teachers?
“They are helpful and kind.”
What would you say to a child who is worried about joining this school?
“Stoneferry is a friendly school.”
What is your favourite subject and why?
“English because I love writing stories and poems.”
What is your favourite subject and why?
“Art because it calms me down and it’s great fun.”
What is your favourite subject and why?
“Topic and Art are my favourite lessons because they push me to my limits and are fun.”
What is the best thing you have done in school?
“Everything. I enjoy every single second of school.”
What is your favourite subject and why? –
“I love P.E. because I am a real sports person and enjoy being creative.”
What is the best thing you have done in school?
“I really enjoy playing for the school football team.”
What do you like about the teachers?
“They tell jokes and help us learn.”
What is your favourite subject and why? –
“Maths because I love numbers and adding.”
What would you say to a child who is worried about joining this school?
“We will look after you and help you.”
What is the best thing you have done in school?
“I love the school trips and when we go to the church to sing.”
What would you say to a child who is worried about joining this school?
“Be yourself. It’s a great school and you’ll fit in.”
What is the best thing you have done in school?
“I enjoy the school trips to the museum so I can learn.”
What do you like about the teachers?
“They make me feel safe.”