Lime Walk Primary School

Under the new National Framework, schools will issue a Fixed Penalty Notice for holidays when a child misses 10 or more sessions (5 days) for unauthorised reasons.

The school has published the use of penalty notices through the school website, newsletters and attendance policy to ensure that parents and carers are aware of the consequences of failing to ensure their child’s regular attendance.

Where a child misses 10 sessions (the equivalent of 5 full days) due to a holiday during school time, a fixed penalty notice will be issued.  We strongly encourage that all holidays are booked during the school holidays.

Any leave of absence, such as a holiday, taken during term time will require the parent/carer to complete a form from the school office. 

• For each child, the new rules state each parent would be fined £160, which will be reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days.  This means that a family of two parents and two children could now receive a fine of £640 for taking a holiday during term time.
• Where it is deemed appropriate to issue a second penalty notice to the same parent for the same pupil within 3 years of the first offence, the second notice is charged at a flat rate of £160 and is payable within 28 days. There is no reduced sum available in this instance.
• Part payments or payment plans are not acceptable, and fines must be paid in full within 21 or 28 days, at the rate specified within the penalty notice.
• Payment after the deadline may be accepted in exceptional circumstances. In this situation, the higher amount of £160 is usually payable and must be paid immediately and in full.
• When paying a penalty notice fine, parents are essentially agreeing to an out of court settlement in respect of the unauthorised absences to which the notice refers. Payment in full against the penalty notice discharges the parent’s legal responsibility for the period of unauthorised absence outlined in the Notice and the parent cannot be subsequently prosecuted for that period.