Ysgol Pentre Forms 

Please Note : Holidays during term time

Parents do not have an automatic right to withdraw pupils from school during the school term for a holiday. Under the Education (pupil registration) (Wales) Regulations 2010, Head Teachers have discretion to authorise a holiday of up to 10 days during term time, more than 10 days can only be authorised in exceptional circumstances.

The Local Authority recommends that no holidays are authorised in term time unless for exceptional circumstances.

All requests for holidays must be completed on the schools holiday request form and completed by the parents/guardians. 

The Head Teacher will make the decision and may include the following contributory factors:

⮚ Time of year.

⮚ Length of time.

⮚ Overall percentage of attendance.

⮚ Impact on the child’s learning.

⮚ Whether the holiday meets the criteria for an exceptional circumstance and adequate

proof has been provided.

Criteria for Exceptional Circumstances

▪ Where it is company/organisational policy for an employee to take leave at a specified time in the year and there is no opportunity for a family holiday in school holidays. This must be supported by documentation from the organisation.

▪ Service personnel returning from/scheduled to embark upon a tour of duty abroad.

▪ To attend religious festivals or services such as the wedding or funeral of an immediate family member. Proof may be requested

▪ Other compassionate circumstances e.g. family illness or family crisis. Proof may be requested.

▪ Where a holiday is recommended as part of a parent or child’s rehabilitation from a medical or emotional issues. Evidence must be provided from a qualified professional such as a doctor.

▪ Where there are other factors which the Head teacher may consider exceptional circumstances, this may be referred to the Local Authority for advice.

▪ It should be noted that financial consideration are not deemed exceptional circumstances.