Revised penalties for unauthorised term time absences

Parents, guardians and carers are being advised of national changes to penalties for unauthorised term time absences, which will come into effect next month.

The Department of Education (DfE) states children must get an education between the school term after their fifth birthday and the last Friday in June in the school year they turn 16 – and should only be absent from school if they are unwell, or there are exceptional circumstances and they have received advanced permission from the school.

Currently, it is the responsibility of local councils to decide when to issue fines for unauthorised absence to parents, meaning the process varies across the country.

However, under the new national framework announced by the DfE earlier this year, all schools will be required to consider a fine when a child has missed 10 or more sessions – equivalent to five days – for unauthorised leave of absence, i.e. holiday in term time.

The changes also mean that, from next term, the penalty notice for unauthorised absences will be at the new, higher, rate of £160 per parent per child, reducing to £80 if paid within 21 days.

For a second unauthorised absence within three years, the penalty notice will be £160 per parent, per child, with no reduction for early payment. A third offence may lead to prosecution and fines of up to £2,500.

The new rules will come into effect on 19 August 2024, and will apply to any unauthorised absence from that date onwards.

The updated DfE guidance refers to fines being issued as a last resort, with the City of Wolverhampton Council adopting a support first approach to help identify barriers and improve children’s attendance. The vast majority of fines for unauthorised absence - 89% - are issued for term-time holidays.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "We appreciate that parents and guardians may be tempted to take children out of school during term time, but it is important to remember how important regular school attendance is for your child’s educational progress.

"Being present allows children to form lasting friendships, develop essential interpersonal skills, and contribute to better mental health and overall well-being. It is therefore crucial that, barring illness or exceptional circumstances, pupils attend school throughout term.

"The Department of Education has revised its penalties for unauthorised term time absences in order to further encourage good attendance."

For further information, please visit www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/education-and-schools/holiday-term-time.