Saturday, 6 September 2008
What is a Fixed Penalty Notice?
The Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003 introduced legislation that made provision for a Local Authority to issue Fixed Penalty Notices. These notices require a fine to be paid by parents of pupils who have unauthorised absence from school.
In what circumstances will Fixed Penalty Notices be issued?
A Fixed Penalty Notice will be issued in two situations:
1. If a holiday is taken during term time without the authorisation of the Headteacher or his representative.
2. If a pupil has unauthorised absence from school and their parent/carer fails to co-operate with the Education Welfare Officer to improve this situation. A separate Penalty Notice will be issued to EACH parent for EACH child who has unauthorised absence.
What are the Penalties?
If a Fixed Penalty Notice is issued, the penalty is £50 when the payment is made within 28 days. After 28 days it will increase to £100. Failure to pay within 42 days will result in a summons to appear before the Magistrates Court on the grounds that you have failed to secure your child’s regular attendance at school.
Why has the government introduced this new legislation?
The message of this new legislation is that it is really very important that every child attends school for as many of the 380 half day sessions of the school year as possible. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that their child does not take unnecessary time off school.
What must I do?
Remember to always inform school staff when your child is absent from school, giving the reason. If there are circumstances where you feel there is no alternative to a holiday in term time, you must request approval by the Head Teacher. You should complete an application form, available from school or from this page, at least 21 days before the proposed start date of the holiday. If your reason for taking holidays in term time is because your employer prohibits a holiday in school holiday times, you should provide a letter to that effect signed by your employer. The Headteacher will decide whether this can be authorised. You must submit your application for authorisation prior to making any holiday booking.
A guidance leaflet is also available from this page.
Can I get help if my child is not attending school regularly?
Education Welfare Officers support schools, parents and pupils so that high levels of attendance can be achieved. School staff will seek to offer support to pupils and parents. Our contact pages on this site will help you make contact with your Welfare Officer.
Every school in Doncaster is supporting the message that school attendance is a high priority. We hope that all parents will help us to achieve even better attendance this year.
