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High Ongar Primary School

A school to which we are proud to belong.

Late/Absence Procedures

Term time leave of absence request

 

Helping Parents understand Penalty Notice Fines for School Attendance

 

From 19 August 2024, there is a National Framework for Penalty Notice Fines being issued for unauthorised absences recorded by schools

National Threshold

A single consistent national threshold for when a Penalty Notice must be considered by ALL schools in England, this is:

  • 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
  • For example, a 5-day unauthorised leave of absence would meet the national threshold
  • The 10-school week period can span different terms or school years

 

Who may be fined?

  • Penalty Notice Fines are issued to each parent who allows their child to be absent without authorisation from school
  • For example, 3 siblings absent for unauthorised leave during term-time would result in each parent receiving 3 separate fines

 

First Offence

The first time a Penalty Notice is issued for unauthorised absence, the fine amount will be:

  • £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days
  • If not paid within 21 days, the fine will increase to £160 per parent, per child, payable between the 22nd and 28th day

 

Second Offence (within 3 years)

The second time a Penalty Notice is issued for unauthorised absence, a reduced rate is not available. The amount therefore will be:

  • £160 per parent, per child – payable within 28 days

 

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 will be presented straight to the Magistrate’s Court

  • Prosecution can result in criminal records and fines of up to £2,500
  • Cases found guilty in a Magistrates Court can show on the parent’s future DBS certificate (Disclosure and Barring Service) due to a ‘failure to safeguard a child’s education’

     

Application form for term-time annual leave

Bridge Academy Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 07663795.

Registered Office: Community Building, Bridge Academy Trust, Brian Close, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 9DZ.

Tel: 01245 202 937

Email: [email protected]

             
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