HOLIDAY AUTHORISATION

The Education Department informs parents that, “Under the Education (Guernsey) Law 1970, the Education Department is responsible for providing education for children between five and fifteen years of age.  However, it is the responsibility of parents to ensure their children receive full-time education and, as far as possible, avoid any disruption to that education.”

We have become increasingly concerned about the number of pupils who take one or two weeks family holiday during term time.  This is particularly disruptive to a pupil’s learning as the work missed may not be readily caught up on.  One week taken in the middle of a term, for example, will also therefore put that pupil’s progress at a disadvantage.  Teaching staff will be under no professional obligation to set and mark work in these circumstances. The school has taken this policy in order to put the academic interests of the children first. 

As from September 2016, the Education Department state the following:

'You will be aware that schools and the Education Service promote high levels of school attendance.

With this in mind, it has been agreed by head teachers and education officers that from 1st  September 2016 any holiday a pupil takes during term time will not be authorised.

If parents do intend to arrange for their child to have holiday in term time, for safeguarding reasons they will be required to inform the head teacher of their intention and the dates of the holiday.  The difference from previous years is that the head teacher will note the absence as unauthorised rather than possibly authorised. Any holidays from September 2016 that parents have already informed school about will now be noted as unauthorised absence.

We see this policy as an important part of parents and schools working in partnership to support children's learning.’

If you intend to go on holiday during term time, please complete the form and return to the school office.