Important changes to the regulations concerning term-time holidays

Tuesday 16th July 2013

The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 has been amended as from 1st September 2013. All references to family holidays and extended leave have been removed, together with the right for parents to apply for up to ten days holiday during term time. Headteachers are no longer permitted to grant leave of absence during term time, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

There will also be a change from 1st September 2013 relating to payment timescales for penalty notices. The current 28 days at £60 and 28-42 days at £120 have been reduced to 21 days and 21-28 days, which will allow for swifter legal intervention following non-payment. This change affects both codes of conduct for parents of truants and the code of conduct for parents of excluded pupils, which have both been updated and are attached for your information.

To assist schools, the Education Welfare Service guidance to Headteachers on leave of absence has been revised to provide comprehensive information on the regulations and expectations as from 1st September 2013 (Appendix 1 of the code of conduct for parents of truants). In addition, all relevant paperwork and templates have been updated and are attached for your use; please destroy previous versions. Please find attached:

Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact your local Education Welfare Service Duty Officer, who will be able to provide further information.

Pam Langmead