Family holidays during school term time

Why every school day matters

Every moment in school counts. Missing even a few days can quickly add up.

Children who attend school regularly:

• do better in lessons
• feel more confident
• build stronger friendships
• have better wellbeing

The school day is split into two sessions – morning and afternoon. Each session missed affects your child’s learning and progress.

When can a child miss school?

Your child must attend school every day unless one of the following applies:

• they are too ill to attend
• you’ve asked in advance and the school has agreed to an absence due to exceptional circumstances
• the day is part of a religious observance for your family
• the local authority is responsible for your child’s transport and it is not available or hasn’t been arranged yet
• you are a gypsy/traveller family with no fixed address and need to travel for work, meaning your child cannot attend their usual school

If your child misses school for any other reason, and you haven’t received permission from the headteacher, the absence is unauthorised.

What counts as an exceptional circumstance?

Exceptional circumstances are rare and must be agreed by the school. Examples might include:

• a family emergency
• a religious observance
• a significant life event

Holidays during term time are not considered exceptional and are usually unauthorised.

What happens if my child misses school without a good reason?

If your child is absent without permission, the school and Bradford Council may take action. But first, they are expected to:

• work with you to understand the reasons
• offer support to improve attendance

If attendance doesn’t improve, the council may:

• issue a fixed penalty notice (fine) – Each parent may be fined. If the fine isn’t paid within 28 days, you could be prosecuted.
• apply for an Education Supervision Order – If the council believes you need help but aren’t engaging, they can ask the family court to appoint a supervisor to support you.
• prosecute you – You may have to go to court. The court can issue a fine, a community order, or a prison sentence of up to 3 months. You may also receive a Parenting Order.

How much could I be fined?

• £80 if paid within 21 days
• £160 if paid within 28 days

If a parent receives a second fine for the same child within three years, it will be charged at the higher rate of £160.

Each parent can receive up to two fines per child in a three-year period. After that, the council may consider prosecution.

How are fines used?

Money from fines is used to:

• cover the cost of running the attendance system and providing support to schools
• fund support for families

Why is attendance important?

For most pupils, the best place to be during term time is in school, surrounded by friends and teachers.

This supports:

• learning and academic progress
• mental health and emotional wellbeing
• social development and confidence

It’s not just children who miss school who are affected – their absence can impact their classmates too.