From January 2005 Section 23 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 empowers Headteachers to issue Penalty Notices in cases of unauthorised absence from school.
The issuing of a Penalty Notice could happen in the following circumstances:
- Truancy
- Parentally condoned absence
- Excessive holidays in term time
- Excessive delayed return from extended holidays without prior school agreement
- Persistent late arrival at school after the register has closed
If concerned, the Education Welfare Officer and the Headteacher will consider if:
- At least 10 school days have been lost to Unauthorised Absence by the pupil
- There has been a deliberate taking of a holiday in term time, without school permission and where this has created a period of Unauthorised Absence in the current term of at least 10 sessions (5 days)
Payment of a Penalty Notice within 28 days is £50 and after this, but within 42 days, is £100.
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