Buckingham Park Primary School

It is a fine given for unauthorised absence from school.

The Local Authority issues them through the Education Welfare Service (EWS), by first class post direct to your home.

1. When a pupil has a minimum of 10 school days recorded as unauthorised absences   in a 10 week period. Please note that only a Head Teacher can authorise an absence from school.
2. For an unauthorised holiday.
3. For a pupil being in a public place during the first 5 days of an exclusion from school.
4. Persistent late arrival at school (after registration has been completed).

YES. It is a formal warning, given in writing, and you will be told the extent of your child's absences. However, you will have the chance to ensure your child's attendance is improved.
If an improvement is made, the Fixed Penalty Notice may not be issued.

If paid within the first 28 days, the fine is £60.

After that, the fine increases to £120, which must be paid within 42 days of the notice being issued.

The information on how to pay is included on the Fixed Penalty Notice. Payment cannot be made in part or by instalments.

If you don't pay within the 42 days, the Authority is required to commence proceedings in the Magistrates Court for the original offence of poor school attendance by your child. If proven, a fine of up to £2500 and/or a parenting order or a community sentence could be enforced.

NO. There is no statutory right of appeal once a notice has been issued. You can make a representation once a warning has been issued should you wish.

You won't be prosecuted for the period included in the Fixed Penalty Notice, however, a prosecution might be considered for further periods of poor attendance, each case is considered individually by the Education Welfare Service.

Yes - both the school and the Education Welfare Service can offer support and advice to help secure improvement in your child's attendance. It is important you seek help at the earliest opportunity.