The T code helps Gypsy and Traveller families to take their children out of school when travelling for work.
What does the T Code mean?
- The T Code is outlined in the School Attendance Guidance.
- It is used to report the absence and attendance of children from Traveller families.
- It is a legal right for Traveller families to take their children out of school during term.
- But only when you are travelling for work purposes.
When can I use the T code?
Your child must be a member of a Traveller community. This includes:
- Irish and Scottish Travellers.
- English and Welsh Gypsies.
- Roma.
- Showmen.
- Circus people.
- Bargees.
- New Travellers.
They must have had a certain amount of attendance. Including:
- Attending at least 200 school sessions in the past 12 months if they are over six years old.
- One school day has two sessions.
You must be travelling for work and agree with the school beforehand.
- This means moving from place to place for your job.
- You do not have to provide proof to the school.
Can I use the T Code for other reasons?
- The T Code does not cover anything else other than work reasons.
- But you can still ask the school to take out your child for other events
- There may be times where it is accepted if enough notice is given.
- Be careful to confirm the absence with the school to avoid fines.
- See Government website on school attendance for more information.
- Different codes are needed for events like weddings and funerals.
The process of using the T Code
- Tell the school the dates you are travelling for work as early as possible.
- The head teacher decides if the T Code can be used.
- Traveller children are still expected to attend 380 sessions each school year.
Types of absence
- You can be fined for unauthorised absence, if your child misses school without permission.
- This can be up to £80 (rising to £160 if not paid within 21 days).
- If the T Code is used correctly, it counts as an authorised absence.
- This will affect attendance but you should not get a fine.
Changes to the T code
- Some of the wording of the 2024 guidance has caused confusion.
- The Department for Education have confirmed that:
- The 'mobile child' only needs to be of no fixed abode whilst the parent is trading/working.
- The definition of ‘no fixed abode’ under the new guidance means:
- Someone either does not have a settled place where they can live full-time.
- Or they have a place where they can live full-time but spend lots of time not living there.
- This means that a mobile child can include both:
- A family who travels all year round as part of the work who has no permanent address.
- And a child who has a fixed place to live but does not live there all year.
Dual registration
- Choosing dual registration means your child can attend a different school while travelling.
- They will still keep their place at their main school.
- The one they have attended for the last 18 months.
What to do if you are having problems using the T code
Send the school a letter:
- If you told the school in advance that you were travelling for work
- or if there is confusion about changes to the T code you can use our:
- Template T Code letter.
- Just open the document, fill in your details and make sure to save it separately.Â
If you are having difficulties, please contact the Friends, Families and Travellers helpline on 01273 234 777. We are open:
- Monday to Friday
- From 10.00am to 4.30pm
- Closed on Bank Holidays