6. Payment of penalty notices
6.1
A national limit of 2 penalty notices that can be issued to a parent for the same child within a rolling 3-year period, so at the 3rd (or subsequent) offence(s) another tool will be considered (such as prosecution or another appropriate legal intervention).
6.2
Penalty notices for absence will be issued in line with the National Framework for Penalty Notices for school absence post 19th August 2024.
- First penalty notice – Issued at £160 if paid within 28 days, and £80 if paid within 21 days.
- Second penalty notice - Issued to the same parent for the same child within a rolling 3-year period being charged at a higher rate of £160, with no option for this second offence to be discharged at the lower rate of £80.
6.3
Payments within the required timescales will discharge the parent/carer’s liability for the period in question. The legislation does not allow for part payments or payment plans.
6.4
The Local Authority will communicate in writing to schools the outcomes of penalty notices. The local authority retains this revenue to cover the costs of issuing or enforcing notices.
6.5
All penalty notices will be issued and monitored by the Local Authority. This will ensure consistent and equitable delivery and ensure cohesion with other enforcement action.
6.6
Parents who allow their child to be present in a public place at any time during school hours without reasonable justification whilst permanently excluded/ suspended will with a penalty notice at the rate of £120, reduced to £60 if paid within 21 days and they do not count towards the limit/escalation associated with repeat offence for non-school attendance.