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Attendance

MOMENTS MATTER, ATTENDANCE COUNTS.

Improving school attendance is everyone’s business and, to tackle the challenge we face since Covid 19, we need to work together. At St Stephens we strive to create a nurturing and affirmative bond between parents /carers and our school, emphasising the pivotal role attendance has in enhancing their child’s overall wellbeing. The Department for Education have created the following message which highlights  the enormous impact a school day can have not only on academic achievement but on children's social and emotional development.

What a Difference a School Day Makes.
That moment they found a new best friend queuing up for pudding.
That time fractions suddenly clicked.
That day cavemen came to live in the playground.
That science lesson when a mento and cola ‘rocket’ sprayed everywhere.
Breaking a school record on sports day.
When they helped catch the escaped rabbit.
Helping to build props for the school play.
When they baked cupcakes that were actually edible (just).
Performing that encore at the school concert.
From the first day of term to the last, each moment, big or small, makes a
big difference to a child’s wellbeing.
Positive, real, life-changing moments.
And in a school year there are hundreds of them.
What a difference a school day makes.
Attendance leaflet .pdf
Do I need to keep my child off school.pdf
Low attendance sample letter.pdf
Low unauthorised absence sample letter.pdf
ADMAT Attendance Policy 05-2024.pdf

IMPORTANT CHANGES TO THE LAW REGARDING PENALTY NOTICES FOR UNAUTHORISED ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL 

 

A new National Framework for Penalty Notices for school absence, including unauthorised holiday absence, is being introduced following changes to the law. These new Government regulations came into effect from 19th August 2024 and will affect when penalty notices are issued in Cornwall.   

  

What are the changes? 

 

1.     There will be a new national threshold of 10 unauthorised sessions for any reason (equivalent to 5 school days) within a rolling 10 school week period for when a penalty notice must be considered.  

2.     The new rules mean that if you take one week’s holiday during term time there must now be the consideration of a penalty notice being issued. 

3.     There will be an increase in the penalty fine from £60 to £80 if paid in 21 days. If the fine is not paid by the first 21 days, it will rise to £160 if paid within 28 days of being issued.  

4.     If a second penalty fine is issued to the same parent for the same child within a 3-year rolling period, the fine will automatically rise to £160 with no option to pay the lower rate of £80. 

5.     If a parent then commits a third offence in a 3-year rolling period, the local authority will need to consider other enforcement options available to them. This could include prosecution. 

 

FAQ's 

If I have already booked a holiday for next year, could I receive a penalty fine at the new higher rate? 

Yes, if the absence has not been authorised by the Head Teacher of your child’s school. Remember, only a Head Teacher can agree whether an absence can be authorised in exceptional circumstances. 

 

Who can be issued with a penalty notice? 

·         Each parent can receive a fine for each child who has had unauthorised absence from school.  

·         In education law, anyone who lives with a child and who has day-to-day care of the child is also considered to be a parent whether they are the biological parent or not. This will include step-parents and partners. 

Do the new rules only apply to holidays during term time? 

No, it applies to all unauthorised absence from school including holidays. Unauthorised absence includes other absence that has not been agreed such as truancy, arriving late after the register has closed and failing to provide reasons for absence. 

How do I request for my child to have leave granted during term time? 

You must submit an Exceptional Circumstances / Absence Request form before the proposed absence It will be for your child’s Head Teacher to make a decision as to whether there are exceptional circumstances that will allow them to grant the time off. Do not assume that the absence will be granted until you have received confirmation from the school. 

Do the 10 sessions of unauthorised absence have to be taken all at the same time before a penalty fine is issued? 

No, a penalty fine can be issued for any combination of absences over a 10-week rolling period. They can be consecutive or non-consecutive and can span over two terms (including between academic years). 

What happens if I am issued with a penalty fine and I don’t pay it? 

Unauthorised absence from school is an offence under S444 of the Education Act 1996. A penalty fine is an opportunity for you to settle out of court. If you don’t take this opportunity, you can be prosecuted for the offence of failing to ensure your child’s regular attendance. 

What should I do if I am worried about my child’s attendance? 

In the first instance you should contact your child’s school and ask for advice on how they can support you to improve the situation.  

For more information please contact the school office on 01566 772170 or email ststephens@andaras.org

 

 

Whole School Warning Letter (Unauthorised Leave of Absence).pdf
Unauthorised Absences Charges (1) (1).pdf
Leave of Absence (Holiday) Exceptional Circumstances request form (1).docx
Leave refusal letter (1).docx