Miss School, Miss Out!

Did you know that on average, one in five children in Portsmouth misses a total of one week of school through unauthorised absence? That means they not only missed out on lessons but also school clubs, friendships and school trips, leaving gaps in their learning which could limit their future options in life.

If children understand the importance of regular attendance from an early age, it helps them to maintain that attitude throughout their school life and into their work life.

School attendance – Portsmouth City Council

What is Persistent Absence?

A child who only attends school for 90% or less of the time is classed as a Persistent Absentee.  A child who is absent for 50% or more is known as severely absent.

If a child attends school for 90% of the time throughout their education, they will miss 209 days of school, that is more than a whole school year!

So why does persistent absence matter?

Missing school has a huge impact on how well a pupil gets on at school. The more school a child misses, the harder it is for them to get into a routine of attending regularly and catch up on the work they have missed.

A few days of absence now could have a huge impact on a child’s future opportunities.

It could also mean that you receive a penalty notice (see below).

What can I do?

1. Be honest – Every parent struggles at some point, no parent is perfect! If you’re having difficulties with your child, seek help. Your child’s school is a great place to start.
2. Engage – Professionals work with families because they want to help make things better, but they can only help if families talk to them, meet with them, and accept the help that’s on offer.

What is authorised and unauthorised absence?

Any term-time absence must be approved by the school’s head teacher. This is called authorised absence.

The head teacher can only authorise absences in expectational circumstances.  At the head teacher’s discretion, absence may be authorised for genuine illness or reasons of religious belief.

Any absence not approved by the head teacher is an unauthorised absence.   All absences are monitored by the local authority.

School attendance – penalty notices

What is a Penalty Notice?

It is a fine given for unauthorised absence from school. It is an alternative to criminal proceedings and does not require an appearance in court.

Who issues Penalty Notices?

The local authority issues them through the School Attendance Team (SAT), by first class post to parents.

When are they used?

• Unauthorised absence: When a pupil has at least 10 unauthorised absence sessions (5 school days) within a 10-school week rolling period. Please note ONLY a Head Teacher can authorise an absence from school.
• Unauthorised leave: For an unauthorised leave of absence in term time e.g. a family holiday
• Arrive late: When a pupil persistently arrives late to school (after the register closes)
• During suspension: When a pupil is found in a public place at any time during school hours in the first five days of a school suspension

Who is responsible and what is the fine?

Each parent is individually responsible for the child’s attendance and commits a separate offence if the child does not attend school regularly. You will receive a penalty notice of:

• £60 if paid within 21 days
• £120 payable if paid within 28 days

From 19 August 2024, the penalty notice has increased to:

• For the first offence – £80 if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days.
• For second offence – £160 if paid within 28 days

If you do not pay the penalty notice after 28 days, you may be prosecuted.

Find out who is defined as a parent on Gov.UK.

Support for parents and carers

 If you’re concerned about your child’s attendance, please contact Mrs Hawkins via [email protected] or Mrs Verhiest via [email protected] as soon as possible.

 You may also find information and advice from these resources:

• Mental health support for young people
• Support for families on Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership
• Health visiting and school nursing services
• Family hubs and support for parents
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support on Portsmouth Local Offer
• what0-18.nhs.uk

If you’re unsure if your child is too ill for school, use the guidance on illness on the NHS Healthier Together website: Should my child go to school/nursery today? :: Healthier Together (what0-18.nhs.uk).