Regular attendance at school is vital to help children achieve and get the best possible start in life.

Children who frequently miss school often fall behind.  There is a strong link between good school attendance and achieving good results.  It is proven that attainment is connected to good attendance, missing school could have an impact on your child’s education. 

Penalty Notices for Leave of Absence were introduced in 2013. This guidance has been updated and applies from the 19 August 2024 when changes will be implemented.

Leave of Absence during term time, can now only be authorised by the Headteacher/Principal if they are satisfied, that there are exceptional circumstances.

If the Headteacher/Principal, does not authorise the Leave of Absence but
the child is absent during the requested time, parents may receive a Penalty
Notice (fine).

 

To make a request for Leave of Absence

1.    Complete and return the request form in full at least four weeks prior to the leave being taken and submit to the Academy for approval

2.    The Academy will contact you via post to authorise/unauthorise the leave of absence request

What will happen if the request is refused but the leave of absence is still taken?

The Academy will notify the Local Authority Officer who may issue a Penalty Notice. 
First Offence
The first time a Penalty Notice is issued for an unauthorised absence,
the fine amount will be:
• £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days.
• Increasing to £160 if paid between days 22-28.
Second Offence (within 3 years)

The second time a Penalty Notice is issued for unauthorised absence
the amount will be:
• £160 per parent (who allowed the holiday), 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 local authorities will need to consider other available
measures to address the absence concerns. This may mean that cases
are presented before a Magistrate’s Court. Prosecution can result in
criminal records and fines of up to £2,500.
Cases found guilty in the Magistrates’ Court can show on the parent’s
future DBS certificate due to ‘failure to secure a child’s regular
attendance.

Part payments or payment plans are not available and fines must be
paid in full within 21 or 28 days, at the rate specified within the Penalty
Notice.

Please see: https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2024-08/Parental%20Information%20Leafelt%20-%20Leave%20of%20Absence.pdf 

Parents/carers have a duty to ensure their child/children's regular attendance at school and failure to do so is an offence under S444 of the Education Act 1996.