Term time absence for Service children
Updated 12 August 2024
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-service-personnel-and-their-families-on-child-welfare-policies/term-time-absence-for-service-children
Armed Forces Families & Safeguarding (AFFS) wrote to head teachers for advice on School term time absence for service children.
As with all children at school, the decision on whether to authorise term-time holidays for the children of Service personnel sits solely with the head teacher of their school.
To assist head teachers in making their decisions on applications for absence during term time, Unit Commanding Officers and their Welfare staff will be able to provide advice, verification and endorsement as required.
Exceptional circumstances
Since September 2013, by law, head teachers are only able to grant requests for leave during term time in “exceptional” circumstances, which includes:
- preparing for or returning from operational tours
- when shift patterns only allow leave to be taken during term time
- injury/bereavement
Verification
To assist head teachers in making their decisions on absence applications, Unit Commanding Officers and their welfare staff will be able to provide advice, verification and endorsement as required.
If head teachers are unsure how to make contact with the relevant Armed Forces unit, they should contact the MOD’s Armed Forces Families & Safeguarding at People-AFFS-Mailbox@mod.gov.uk.
Term time absence guidance can be accessed here: DIN - Term time absence guidance (accessible by MOD personnel only).