St.
Telephone 01252 322933 Fax 01252 331688 Email: adminoffice@st-michaels-jun.hants.sch.uk Michael's C.E. Junior School (Controlled) Website: www.stmichaelscejunior.co.uk
Church Lane East, Aldershot, Hampshire, GU11 3AS Headteacher: Mrs Lynne Hignett BA(Hons), NPQH
Dear Parents As you are aware there were amendments to the Education Regulations with regards to leave that is taken during term time which came into effect on 1 st September 2013. The legal guidelines issued by the Government “prohibit the proprietor of a maintained school granting leave of absence to a pupil; except where an application has been made in advance and the proprietor considers that there are exceptional circumstances relating to the application”. Unfortunately this means that we are put in an extremely difficult position when parents request leave of absence for holidays and for circumstances which cannot be considered ‘exceptional’, and we are subject to auditing by Hampshire County Council for any term time absence which we authorise. Many schools are adopting a ‘zero tolerance’ approach; however, we are trying to assess each request on an individual basis and would therefore ask for your understanding when events which are requested, cannot be considered ‘exceptional’. If you are in any doubt, please do not hesitate to contact me via the school office to arrange an appointment before making the request. Yours sincerely
Mrs L Hignett Headteacher