For unauthorised absence from August 2024 

Penalty Notices will increase to £160 per parent per child (discounted to £80 if paid within 21 days). If there is occasion to issue a second Penalty Notice for unauthorised leave of absence within a rolling 3-year period, it will be issued at the higher rate of £160 per parent per child, with no opportunity to pay at the lower level. A Penalty Notice cannot be issued if there is a third occasion of unauthorised leave of absence in the three rolling period and it is likely that the local authority will take direct prosecution action in the Magistrates’ Court which can result in you receiving a criminal conviction. Please also be aware that any cases of extended periods of unauthorised absence, linked to holidays or trips away, are highly likely to result in prosecution action by the local authority. If your child is absent for a continuous period of 20 days or more, court action will be taken.

Should a Penalty Notice be issued, failure to pay by the 28th day will usually mean that the Local Authority proceeds to the Magistrates’ Court in relation to the failure to ensure regular attendance.