Holidays In term Time

We recognise that it is often expensive to take holidays during school breaks and that is why some parents ask for holidays during term time. However it is important that you think carefully about the implications of booking holidays during the school calendar. If you find yourself in this position you should not automatically expect Sedgefield Community College to agree to an absence for this purpose. This is particularly the case if it is for more than ten days and during an exam period. As you will be aware exams are not restricted to year 11 of the summer term and now involve years 9, 10 and 11 in each term of the academic year.

If taking your child out of school during term time is absolutely unavoidable:

· you must contact the school immediately;
· avoid time off during exam or test periods. Go to the school website for the latest exam timetable or contact the school exam officer for further details;
· always consult the school before booking travel for holidays in term time, as permission may not be granted.
If you take a holiday without the school's permission or if your child fails to return on the agreed date this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence (truancy) and the local authority may take legal action as a result. In addition if exams are missed due to taking a holiday in term time you will be liable for the payment of the exam entry fee of £27.

In severe weather

Any decision to close the school is taken after close consultation with the school bus companies and consideration of the conditions on site. Approximately 650 students travel to school on school buses. Their safety is paramount and it is the consideration of school transport risks that largely determines if we need to close the school.

If the school closes before the start of the day, the decision will usually be taken before 6.30.am. The following local radio stations are informed:

BBC Radio Cleveland
BBC Radio Newcastle
Alpha FM
Century
Galaxy 105/106
Metro FM
Star Radio
Sun FM
TFM

The speed with which stations broadcast information will vary according to the severity of the weather and volume of closures. The reopening of school will NOT be broadcast. Only the continued closure will be broadcast. This will be on a daily basis. Please check daily after the initial closure.

The BBC also posts information on their web sites. Check BBC Tees first and then Wear and Tyne. The closure will also be posted on Durham County Council website (click here). Check these regularly for updates.

If school closes during the school day, every effort will be made to contact all parents and carers. No students will be released unless we are sure that they have safe transport home and a secure and supervised place to return to. This may be through agreed arrangements between family friends or relatives.

It is ESSENTIAL that we have accurate emergency contact details on our school records. Please ensure that these are always updated after any changes.

If you wish to discuss particular arrangements, please don’t hesitate to contact the school

Secondary Schools Admissions

Children and Young Peoples Services- Secondary Schools Admissions in County Durham 2011/2012

Click Here