The way the Department for Education (DfE) issues fixed penalty notices (fines) for unauthorised absence is changing.
The DFE have provided updated information to headteachers and local authorities that will be implemented after the summer break. This is a result of national record cases of school absence, including persistent absences.
Please read the information carefully.
Summary: Key changes:
Important. The DfE clarifies that a 'desire or need' for a holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure and recreation is NOT an exceptional circumstance. Ignoring this directive will result in absence being unauthorised.
DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION NOTICE
Penalty Notice Fines for School Attendance are changing from 19th August 2024
With the introduction of the new National Framework for Penalty Notices issued by DfE, the following changes will come into force for School Penalty Notice Fines issued after 19th August 2024.
National Threshold |
There will be a single consistent national threshold for when a penalty notice must be considered by all schools in England of 10 sessions (usually equivalent to 5 school days) of unauthorised absence within a rolling 10 school week period. These sessions do not have to be consecutive and can be made up of a combination of any type of unauthorised absence.
Please note: The DfE does not consider a need or desire for a holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure and recreation to be an exceptional circumstance. |
First Offence |
The first time a Penalty Notice is issued for unauthorised absence the amount will be:
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Per Parent, Per Child |
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Second Offence (within 3 years) |
The Second time a penalty notice is issued for unauthorised absence the amount will be:
Third Offence and Any Further Offences (within 3 years) The third time an offence is committed a Penalty Notice will not be issued and the case could be presented straight to a magistrates court. PRsecution can result in Criminal records and fines of up to £2500
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Parent “who is a parent?” |
Section 576 of the Education Act 1996 defines "parent" as:
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