Significant changes came into power in September 2013.
The following comes direct from the Department Of Education Website:
Term-time holiday
Pre September 2013 the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 allowed headteachers to grant leave of absence for the purpose of a family holiday during term time in “special circumstances” of up to ten school days leave per year. Headteachers can also grant extended leave for more than ten school days in exceptional circumstances.
September 2013: Amendments to the 2006 regulations remove references to family holiday and extended leave as well as the statutory threshold of ten school days. The amendments now in place from September 2013 make it clear that headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. Headteachers should determine the number of school days a child can be away from school if the leave is granted.
If you have exceptional circumstances requiring you to request absence during term time please call into the school office for the appropriate form to complete.