Attendance

Important Information - Holidays in term time - Fixed Penalty Notices

Below is a copy of a letter that was sent to parents to explain the school's attendance policy.


Dear Parent/Carer

In 2006 the Government introduced legislation that allows the Local Authority to issue Penalty Notices for students with unauthorised absence from school, including absence caused by taking holidays in term time without the schools permission.  The Local Authority supports schools in discouraging term time holidays and will use Fixed Penalty Notices for term time holidays.  As yet, we have not asked the Local Authority to impose penalties but more recently the number of pupils taking holidays in term time has increased causing us to review our procedures.

I am sure that you are aware that regular school attendance is very important and any absence is detrimental to a child’s education.  Regular attendance reflects commitment, maximises potential educational achievement and presents a positive public image for an institution.  Government research shows that 17 days lost learning in a school year can result in a drop of one grade at GCSE.

We consider that regular attendance is so important that we are now bringing the legislation to the attention of every parent with a child in school.  On the 10^th November 2009, the Governing Body took the decision to implement the Local Authority’s Fixed Penalty Notice.  The Penalty Notice will be issued by post to the parents/carers of the student who's details are held on the school database. This could result in both parents being fined at the time of the Penalty Notice being issued.  The Penalty is £50 and payment should be made within 28 days of receipt of the Penalty Notice.  If it remains unpaid after 28 days the amount will increase to £100.  If a Penalty Notice remains unpaid after 42 days, the case will progress to Magistrates Court for the original offence of poor school attendance; this can mean a fine of up to £2,500.

If you believe at any stage that your child’s absence record from school may leave you liable to receive a Penalty Notice, it is extremely important that you take action to secure regular attendance.

Support and guidance is always available from the School and the Educational Welfare Service, therefore if you have any questions regarding Penalty Notices or any other attendance issue please do not hesitate to contact us.

I should like to take this opportunity to thank parents for their support and for ensuring that children are not taken on holiday during term time.

Yours sincerely



R H Foreman MA, NPQH
Headteacher