You must make sure your child gets a fulltime education that meets their needs (for example if they have special educational needs).  You can send your child to a school or you can educate them yourself. 

​

Children must get an education between the school term after their 5th birthday and the last Friday in June in the school year they turn 16.

​

You'll be contacted by either:

• the school - if your child is enrolled in school and doesn't turn up (even if they are only absent for a day). 

• the council's education welfare officer - if they think your child isn't getting a suitable education at home.

​

You can be prosecuted if you don't give your child an education.  You'll normally get warnings and offers of help from the council first. 

​

Authorised Absences

You can allow your child to miss school if either:

• they're too ill to go in

• you've got advance permission from the school

​

There's extra support available if your child can't go to school for long periods because of a health problem. 

​

If your child is too ill to attend, then you must contact school as soon as possible by phoning 01332 346310.

​

Term Time Holidays

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)

and

• 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. 

​

You can be fined for taking your child on holiday during term time without the school's permission. 

​

​

​