Changes to Attendance Laws:
22nd July 2024
Dear Parents,
Important information, regarding attendance and absences in term time.
The Government has brought in new rules from August 19th 2024, and so for you to be aware of the changes in good time, we are writing to let you know how these might affect you. These rules will be statutory, and all schools must adhere to them.
Our revised Attendance Policy and a copy of this letter will be available on the school website from September.
From the new academic year, fixed penalty notices will be referred to as “Penalty Notices”. If your child is absent from school during term time and it is not authorised, a Penalty Notice will be administered as follows:
- £80 per parent, per child, to be paid within 21 days
- If not paid within 21 days, £160 per parent, per child
- If not paid within 28 days, legal action will be taken
If a child is absent for a second time, within a three-year rolling period, the fine will be £160 per parent per child, with no early payment discount.
If a third period of absence occurs, there will not be a penalty notice issued, but the matter will be dealt with by the court and a larger fine issued - plus costs.
There will also be a 10-week rolling period for “one-off” days unauthorised, e.g. if a child is late returning to school after the school holidays, and they have had other unauthorised absences from the previous term, these will be added together and a fine may be issued.
For all pupils whose attendance falls below 95%, a “Notice to Improve” will be issued; should their attendance not improve within a 3-week period, a fine will be issued.
Should you need to request a term-time absence, you will need to request in writing by completing a form from our school office; this must be handed in two weeks prior to your child being absent. Each case will be considered individually as to whether it is authorised or not.
These rules will apply across the UK; all schools are expected to address absences in the same way.
We understand that these are major changes, and we hope you will support us with these, in the interest of your child, by ensuring your child attends school every day possible.
Should you want to discuss this further, please contact Mrs Henry via the school office.
As always, thank you for your support.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs H Wheatley M.A.
Headteacher
