Penalty Notices for unauthorised absence from school

Under existing legislation, parents/carers commit an offence if a child fails to attend regularly and the absences are categorised as unauthorised (the school viewing reasons provided as unacceptable or no explanations received or ‘truancy’). Depending on circumstances such cases may result in prosecution under Section 444 of the Education Act 1996. 

A Penalty Notice is seen as a simpler sanction to focus parents on their responsibilities and does not require an appearance in Court. Payment of a Penalty Notice enables parents to discharge potential liability for conviction for the period identified.