The following details are taken from the Leave of Absence (Special Leave) Policy. The full version is available below.
Time off for Dependants
Time off for dependants is reasonable time off work to deal with unexpected or sudden emergencies and to make any necessary longer-term arrangements. The 'emergency' must involve a 'dependant' of the employee.
Every employee is entitled to take time off for dependants, regardless of hours worked or length of service.
The circumstances under which an employee can take time off are:
- If a dependant falls ill;
- If a dependant has been injured, in an accident or assaulted;
- To make longer-term care arrangements for a dependant;
- To deal with an unexpected disruption or breakdown of care arrangements for a dependant;
- To deal with an unexpected incident involving the employee's child during school hours;
- If a dependant goes into labour.
The amount of time that is reasonable for an employee to take off to deal with an unexpected or sudden emergency or to make necessary longer-term arrangements will vary but it is likely that in most cases one or two days will be sufficient (one day will be paid only). The provision is intended to help the employee to manage a crisis.
Whilst there is no statutory right to be paid for time off for dependants, depending upon the circumstances, in exceptional circumstances Headteachers can authorise up to a maximum of 10 days’ paid dependency leave in total to enable an employee to deal with an unexpected or sudden emergency or to make necessary longer-term arrangements over a year.