Term-time absence for service children
Published 16 December 2022
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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
Term-time absence
Armed Forces Families & Safeguarding (AFFS) wrote to head teachers with advice on when absence of service children during term time should be granted.
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 headteacher 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.
Examples of exceptional circumstances
Since September 2013, by law, head teachers are only able to grant requests for leave during term time in “exceptional” circumstances, examples include:
- Preparing for or returning from operational tours
- Shift pattern only allows 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 via Defence Instructions and Notices - Home (sharepoint.com) - (DIN Ref. 2021DIN01-112).