Approval for term-time absence
The Headteacher will only grant a leave of absence to a pupil during term time if the request meets the specific circumstances set out in Working together to improve school attendance (July 2026).
These circumstances are:
· Taking part in a regulated performance, or regulated employment abroad
· Attending an interview
· Study leave
· A temporary, time-limited part-time timetable
· Exceptional circumstances
A leave of absence is granted at the headteacher’s discretion, including the length of time the pupil is authorised to be absent for.
Any part-time education will be reviewed regularly, with the aim of eventually increasing the number of hours up to full-time as soon as possible.
We define ‘exceptional circumstances’ as ‘one off events which are unavoidable’ these are applied at the discretion of the Headteacher who may seek guidance from the Sea View Trust Central Team.
Leave of absence will not be granted for a pupil to take part in protest activity during school hours.
As a leave of absence will only be granted in exceptional circumstances, it is highly unlikely a leave of absence will be granted for the purposes of a family holiday.
The school considers each application for term-time absence individually, taking into account the specific facts, circumstances and relevant background context behind the request.
Any request should be submitted as soon as it is anticipated and, where possible, at least 2 weeks before the absence, and in accordance with any leave of absence request form.
Unavoidable School Closures
The Governors and Headteacher of the School will make every effort to ensure that the School is open to receive pupils on the allocated 190 days per year and for staff on 195 days per year. If circumstances arise where it is felt necessary to close the School partly or wholly, the Headteacher and Governors will follow, in principle, the LEA "Guidelines on Unavoidable Closures" (1996).
Parents/carers will be notified of unavoidable school closures by the school text to parents system and Arbor.