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Due to essential maintenance, the following systems will be unavailable from 6.00pm on Monday 2 October until 8.00am on Tuesday 3 October: our online council tax, business rates and housing benefit services, and our welfare assistance form. You will also not be able to register to pay council tax online, make a change of address for council tax or cancel single person discount. You are still able to make a payment during this time. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Can I take my child on holiday during term-time?


No, you cannot take your child out of school during term-time unless there are exceptional circumstances.

A 'low-cost holiday' is not an exceptional circumstance.

Can I request permission to take my child out of school during term-time?

If you believe your circumstances are exceptional, you should submit an application for leave of absence to the head teacher of your child's school. Applications should be made as far in advance as possible. It is the school's decision as to whether or not your circumstances are to be considered exceptional.

There is more information in the Icon for pdf Holidays in term time (PDF, 629.9kb)  leaflet.

What will happen if I take my child out of school without permission?

If you take your child out of school without the school's permission it will be recorded as unauthorised absence.

You could receive a fine (Fixed Penalty Notice) and your child's Record of Achievement will be affected

Fines are £60 for each child and are issued to each parent. The fines must be paid within 21 days of being issued otherwise the fines will double and will need to be paid within 28 days of being issued. See the Icon for pdf Factsheet: Penalty notices to address poor attendance at school (PDF, 114.7kb)  for more information.

Contact us
School attendance (legal action enquiries)
03000 265 526/527

Family hubs
03000 261 111