A number of staff members have requested parental leave during exam-time; is parental leave applicable to the parents of sixth formers? 

Although the pupils in question would fall within this age bracket, it is important to consider the purpose of the leave being sought. Parental leave should be used only for the purpose of caring for a child. The issue, therefore, is whether leave during exam-time could be considered "caring for a child".

The scope of "caring for a child" is not strictly defined, but would appear to be fairly wide. Government guidance on this issue gives the following examples of reasons for which leave might be taken:

• Spending more time with children;

• Looking at new schools;

• Settling a child into new childcare arrangements; and

• Spending more time with family (for example, visiting grandparents).
  
  

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