Penalty Notices
What is a Penalty Warning?
A Penalty Warning is issued in a range of situations where unauthorised absences have occurred. The warning will be sent to the parent, by post, and depending on the circumstances, the warning will indicate the period of time over which improvement in the child's attendance is expected - normally 15 days.
A Penalty Warning is issued by the Education Welfare Service on behalf of the school.
At the end of the 15 days period, if the child's attendance has improved significantly then no further action will be taken. However, if there is no significant improvement then a Penalty Notice will be issued by the Education Welfare Service.
What is a Penalty Notice?
A Penalty Notice provides an alternative to prosecution, which does not require an appearance in court. Penalty Notices were introduced in 2004, via legislation, in order to help reduce unacceptable levels of unauthorised absences.
A Penalty Notice can be issued if your child is caught on more than one Truancy Patrol, or takes extended holidays in term time or excessive delay in returning from holiday as well as various other reasons. With certain exceptions, a Penalty is normally preceded by a warning.
What are the costs?
The notice is initially for a fine of £50 per child payable within 28 days. At the end of the 28 day period the fine increases to £100 which is payable within 42 days of the original notice.
At the end of the 42 days, if the fine remains outstanding then legal action can be initiated against the parent for the original offence of failing to secure attendance of their child/children.
Prosecution could result in the parent receiving a criminal record.
How and where to pay if you have a charge
A Penalty can be paid: by post in cheques, postal or money orders; at a Post Office; at a Bank; by BACS transfer; or via the Internet, using your debit or credit card.
Further information on the above can be obtained from the Education Welfare Service on 020 7641 7580 or you can download a copy of the Penalty Notices in:
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Information for PN users
Penalty Notice Information Handbook (2.18 mb)
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