School Truancy

Courts may impose a Parenting Order, in addition to other penalties, in cases involving children of compulsory school age.

Failure to comply

Failure to comply with the requirements of an Order is a criminal offence and may result in parents being summoned to appear in court.

This may result in a fine up to £1,000.

 

Penalty Notices - Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003

The Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 is an additional sanction to address the problem of school attendance. This sanction allows schools to apply to the Education Welfare Service for a Penalty Notice to be issued.

Penalty Notices will be used as a deterrent to prevent a pattern of unauthorised absence developing. All Penalty Notices will be issued in accordance with our code of practice.

The result of Penalty Notices being issued is £50 within 28 days and £100 within 42 days. Unpaid Penalty Notices will be prosecuted in the local Magistrate's Court under the original offence under the Education Act 1996.