Useful Documents - Leave of Absence for Teachers

We reproduce below Leicester Education Authority's current Leave of Absence policy.

Administrative Memorandum, No.33
Appendix A - Reasons For Leave of Absence
Appendix B - Summary of Administrative Memorandum
Appendix C - Major Religious Festivals (1995)

Appendix A

Reasons For Leave of Absence

Notes for Information and Guidance

Urgent Personal Reasons
i) Serious illness of a close relative	This is usually taken to mean close relationship, i.e. partner, son, daughter, father, mother, grandparent, but - Headteachers/Principals have discretion to recommend that leave be granted in other cases, e.g. in-laws and where it is known that the relationship is similar to close family. Such recommendations should be accompanied by a letter of explanation from the teacher.
ii) Death of a close relative	This is usually taken to mean close relationship, i.e. partner, son, daughter, father, mother, grandparent, but - Headteachers/Principals have discretion to recommend that leave be granted in other cases, e.g. in-laws and where it is known that the relationship is similar to close family. Such recommendations should be accompanied by a letter of explanation from the teacher.
iv) Graduation Ceremony of a son/daughter	In addition to degree ceremonies for Universities/Polytechnics, other professions, e.g. nurses, also have formal graduation ceremonies, and leave is permitted under this section.
Other Miscellaneous Reasons
vii) Actual periods of examination	This category includes attendance at Summer Schools of the Open University, if such attendance cannot be arranged out of school terms.
viii) Teachers visiting other schools on educational visits.	a) This should be construed in connection with extended periods only. It is not intended to apply to half-day or day visits made by children, to say, Museums, or by teachers to neighbouring schools. Teachers authorised to be out of school under this section are obviously on duty (for example, away from school in charge of children at camp) and are not absent in the accepted sense of the word. Their absence should not, therefore, be recorded on the Teachers' Service Return.
	b) Headteachers/Principals who themselves intend to apply for secondment to one year or one term courses, overseas exchange into other areas of work or other employment, etc., must obtain the prior approval of the Governors and inform the Governors of the arrangements for management of the school/college in the Headteacher's/Principal's absence.
ix) Observance of major non-Christian Festivals by persons who are members of the Faith concerned. (A list is contained in Appendix C).	Up to 5 days paid leave per academic year may be granted on the understanding that such time is made up by teachers in Non-Directed Time (Pay and Conditions Order).
x) Annual training in respect of service in non-regular Forces.	Approval may be given for up to two weeks provided the Commanding Officer certifies that it is not possible for the teacher to undertake training during school holidays. In the case of teachers who are Officers in the Cadet Corps, leave is limited to a maximum of five school days.
xi) Selection of a teacher to represent his/her County or Country...	Teachers who are appointed as senior officials of such events are also included under this section.
xii) Attending as a delegate at Church Synods, Trade Union Conferences...	Attendance at a Trade Union or Local Government Conference may only be authorised if the teacher is a designated delegate. Heads should obtain written confirmation from the appropriate body.
xiii) Attending as a member of a Governing Body, meetings of Governors	Approval to leave of absence includes other official duties in connection with service as a governor, e.g. member of a working party. This section also covers membership of other statutory bodies such as Industrial Tribunals.