Please note the following changes from the Department for Education will be coming into effect from August 2024 and that the fine for unauthorised school absences will change.

Whilst the school assesses each individual case on its own merit, currently the school can request a fixed penalty notice to be issued by Herts County Council for unauthorised absences, such as term time holidays and general non-attendance after 15 sessions of unauthorised absence, which is the equivalent of 7 ½ school days.

However, under the new national framework, all schools will be required to consider a fine when a child has missed 10 or more sessions, the equivalent of 5 school days for unauthorised reasons.

In addition to this:

● The first penalty notice issued to each parent in respect of a particular pupil will be charged at £160 if paid within 28 days. This will be reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days.

● A second penalty notice issued to the same parent in respect of the same pupil will be charged at a flat rate of £160 if paid within 28 days.

● Fines per parent will be capped to two fines within any three-year period from the date of the first fine. Once this limit has been reached, other actions like a parenting order or prosecution will be considered.

● If a prosecution goes ahead at court because a child has not been attending school, the fine could be up to £2,500.

We strongly advise parents/carers to avoid booking holidays during term time. We appreciate there may be exceptional circumstances behind a request for leave. If this is the case, you should give a detailed explanation as to why it is necessary for you to take your child out of school by completing this form and sending it to absence@kwschool.co.uk for consideration.

If you require any support with your child’s attendance or wellbeing, please don’t hesitate to contact their Head of Year or if you have any further queries in relation to these changes please contact the school’s Attendance Manager, Chrissy Dicks.

For further information relating to these changes, please click here to access the government’s latest advice.