Leave of absence for holidays taken during school time is discouraged. In exceptional circumstances the Headteacher may authorise up to a maximum of 10 school days per year. A holiday absence request form (available from the school office) should be completed in advance of the start of the holiday.
At Ballacottier Primary School we actively discourage parents from withdrawing pupils from school during term time to avoid disrupting learning.
Parents of pupils whose attendance figures are low and/or those whose children who have significant additional learning needs should think carefully before completing a holiday request form.
They should consider the negative impact of withdrawing their son or daughter from education and the potential for their child to make less progress than might be expected if their learning had not been disrupted.
It is the Department of Education, Sport and Culture’s policy to record any absences for holidays that exceed the ten days as unauthorised on the school register.
The school asks that wherever possible holidays are booked during school holidays to avoid disrupting children’s learning.