If the parents take children out of school - is that truancy?

[lottytheladybird]

If the parents take their children out of school, be it for a holiday or a nice day trip, when their children are meant to be in school, does that come under the term truancy?

No, unauthorised absence.

Any absence rate over a certain amount, whether from truancy, the child deciding not to attend, or unauthorised absence for a holiday, the parents deciding not to attend, will still be a concern an EWO would be involved with.

The word "truancy" is not used in English law.

In common usage, truancy can EITHER mean ANY unauthorised absence (whether caused by the actions of the parent or the child), OR more specifically unauthorised absence because of the child's actions.

Either way, it is the parent who is held legally responsible.

I would not worry what it is called - if there is an opportunity to give your child a particular and one-off experience that is only available (or perhaps affordable) during term then do not worry about getting a black mark for it. It's different from a genuine failure to make sure a child attends school regularly. I have zero tolerance towards attendance fascists, though I'd certainly try to get the understanding and permission of the Head if at all possible - you'd need to try to justify "exceptional circumstances". Be prepared for a penalty though if you go ahead without permission - some heads can be really funny about it and put you into the Penalty system. Bit like a parking ticket really - & not worth losing sleep over. Remember it was the ghastly Michael Gove who made all this aggravation, which is as good a reason as any for showing total contempt for it.

I really wouldn't worry. I've read on the LEA website, would get a letter with a warning after one week off. A small fine with a repeat offence after that.

I wouldn't let this put me off taking my children to special events. Education is more then school.

I think of truancy as 'bunking off', I.e the child not going to school when the parent thinks they are.