The Department for Education has published new guidance regarding school attendance including Education Penalty Notices that will start from 19th August 2024.

At Mayplace, we will continue to work with our school community in line with our Inclusive Attendance model to ensure that all children and families are supported so that we can improve attendance together. 

 There are significant changes that parents need to be aware of:

• If your child has 10 sessions of unauthorised absence in a 10 school week rolling period, you may be issued with a Penalty Notice. These 10 sessions may include any unauthorised absence, including leave in term time and do not have to be consecutive.
• Penalty Notices are increasing to £160 from September 2024. This can be reduced to £80 but only for the first Penalty Notice issued, if paid within 21 days – this reduction does not apply to any subsequent Penalty Notice.
• Any 2^nd Penalty Notice, to the same parent for the same child, issued within three years of the date of the first Penalty Notice will be charged at a flat rate of £160 
• A third Penalty Notice will not be issued within a three year rolling period, to the same parent for the unauthorised absence of the same child, – alternative action or legal measures will be utilised for subsequent offences.

FAQ’s  

What is PA? 

PA stands for ‘Persistently absent’. This is when your child’s attendance is below 90% 

What is risk of PA? 

Risk of PA is when your child’s attendance is at risk of dropping below 90%- we aim to offer early intervention support at this stage. 

What is an EPN? 

EPN stands for ‘Education penalty notices’
EPN’s are issued for unauthorised absences, this includes term time holidays. 

What if I just go on holiday and pay the fine? 

EPN’s have now been capped nationally at TWO fines within any 3 year period. After this, other action like a parenting order or prosecution has to be considered- this could mean a fine of up to £2500.

What is an unauthorised absence? 

A child being kept off school unnecessarily or without good reason. Term time holidays is not a justified reason to take your child out of school.  

What happens if I keep my child off, and don’t contact school? 

School will call home to try and obtain a reason for absence. If no reason is provided school may carry out a visit to your home - this is to check on the welfare of you and your child.