Attendance
School Attendance and Penalty Notices
Working Together to Ensure Good Attendance
At Saughall All Saints C of E Primary School, we believe that regular school attendance is essential to every child's education, wellbeing and personal development. Every school day provides opportunities for children to learn, develop friendships, build confidence and participate fully in school life.
Our aim is to work in partnership with parents and carers to ensure that every child attends school regularly and punctually. We understand that families can sometimes experience difficulties that affect attendance, and we are committed to listening, offering appropriate support and working together to overcome barriers.
However, parents and carers have a legal responsibility to ensure that their children receive a suitable education and attend school regularly. Where absences are unauthorised and attendance does not improve, the school may work with Cheshire West and Chester Council to consider formal action.
National Framework for Penalty Notices for School Absence
The National Framework for Penalty Notices for School Absence came into effect on 19 August 2024. It introduced a consistent approach across England to the consideration and issuing of penalty notices for unauthorised school absence.
A penalty notice is a financial penalty intended to improve school attendance without the need for an immediate prosecution. Decisions are made in accordance with national guidance and local authority procedures.
When may a penalty notice be considered?
A penalty notice must be considered when a child has accumulated 10 sessions of unauthorised absence (usually equivalent to five school days) within a rolling period of 10 school weeks.
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A school day consists of two sessions: morning and afternoon.
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Absences do not have to be consecutive.
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Different types of unauthorised absence can be combined.
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The 10-week period can span different school terms or academic years.
For example, unauthorised holiday absence combined with other unauthorised absences or repeated late arrival after the register has closed may contribute towards the threshold.
Reaching the threshold does not mean that a penalty notice will automatically be issued in every case. The circumstances must be considered individually, including whether further support or another form of intervention would be more appropriate.
What are the penalty notice charges?
The national framework sets the following charges per parent, per child.
| Circumstance | Penalty notice amount |
|---|---|
| First penalty notice | £80 if paid within 21 days, increasing to £160 if paid within 28 days |
| Second penalty notice for the same parent and child within three years of the first | £160, with no reduced early-payment rate |
| Third or subsequent occasion within the three-year period | A further penalty notice must not be issued within that period; alternative legal intervention may be considered |
A penalty notice is issued to each parent liable for the offence, for each child concerned, in accordance with the applicable regulations.
If a penalty notice is not paid within the permitted period, the local authority may take legal action in accordance with the relevant legislation.
Notices to Improve
Where appropriate, a parent may be given a Notice to Improve. This provides a final opportunity to engage with support and improve a child's attendance before a penalty notice is issued.
A Notice to Improve is not appropriate in every situation. For example, unauthorised term-time holidays may be dealt with differently. Decisions depend on the circumstances and the applicable local authority procedures.
Holidays During Term Time
We recognise that families may wish to take holidays together. However, taking a child out of school for a family holiday during term time is not normally considered an exceptional circumstance.
Parents and carers must request leave in writing in advance. The Headteacher will consider the request in accordance with the law and the school's leave-of-absence policy.
Leave will only be authorised where the circumstances meet the relevant criteria. Parents should not assume that a request has been approved until they have received confirmation.
Unauthorised term-time absence may result in a penalty notice being considered under the National Framework.
Please remember that every day of learning matters, and even a short period away from school can affect a child's progress, confidence and continuity of learning.
How Saughall All Saints Will Support Families
We believe in a supportive, partnership-based approach to attendance. If your child is finding it difficult to attend school, please speak to us as early as possible.
We will work with families to understand the reasons for absence and, where appropriate, identify practical steps to improve attendance. Support may include:
Discussions with parents and carers to understand barriers to attendance.
Regular communication and attendance reviews.
Working together to agree an attendance improvement plan.
Identifying appropriate support for emotional wellbeing, anxiety, friendship difficulties or other barriers to attending school.
Signposting or referrals to relevant local services where additional help is needed.
Where attendance concerns persist, the school may work with Cheshire West and Chester Council's Education Welfare Service and other relevant professionals. Formal action may be considered where appropriate, particularly when unauthorised absence continues or support has not resulted in sufficient improvement.
Our intention is always to help children attend school regularly, feel safe and supported, and benefit fully from their education.
Where Can Families Find Further Help?
Cheshire West and Chester Council provides information about attendance, penalty notices, term-time holidays and support for families.
Fixed Penalty Notices for School Absence
Cheshire West and Chester Council – Penalty Notices
Holidays During Term Time
Cheshire West and Chester Council – Taking Children on Holiday During Term Time
Notice to Improve
Cheshire West and Chester Council – Notice to Improve
Live Well Cheshire West
Live Well Cheshire West – Information and Support for Families
Families may also be signposted to appropriate services, including Team Around the Family (TAF), where this is suitable for their circumstances.
Our Commitment
At Saughall All Saints, our vision is to Love, Learn and Grow Together. Good attendance helps every child make the most of their learning, develop positive relationships and flourish as part of our school family.
We ask all parents and carers to work with us to establish good attendance habits from the very beginning of their child's school journey. If you are experiencing difficulties, please contact us rather than waiting for concerns to escalate. We are here to listen, offer support and work with you in the best interests of your child.