Research commissioned by the Department for Education shows missing school for even a day can mean a child is less likely to achieve good grades, which can have a damaging effect on their life chances. At Bressingham Primary School our aim is to work with parents to ensure that all our pupils receive the most from their education and reach their full potential.
This letter is to remind to all parents/carers regarding the law that requires them to ensure that their child attends school regularly. The Government remains very clear that no child should miss school apart from in exceptional circumstances and schools must to continue take steps to reduce absence to support children’s attainment.
The Local Authority operates a system where any pupil will meet the criteria for legal intervention where they have:
- 10 consecutive sessions of unauthorised absence where some or all of the absence may be attributed to an unauthorised holiday in term-time (for absences from 1 September 2018); or
- 15% unauthorised absence over a period of 6 school weeks for reasons other than unauthorised term time holiday.
The intervention could be in the form of a Fixed Penalty Notice. Any pupil at Bressingham Primary School who meets either of the criteria, will be referred to the Local Authority for action to be considered.
If a Fixed Penalty Notice is issued it is a fine of £60 per parent per child which must be paid in one payment in 21 days. If unpaid, a further invoice for £60 per parent per child is issued; both individual invoices would then have to be paid making a total payment of £120 in 28 days. You should be aware that failure to pay the total amount within the timescale will result in legal action being taken.
I hope we can count on your support in this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Yours sincerely
Dawn Gudde
Acting Head of School