Compton C.E. Primary School

There is national concern about the amount of education lost through absence from school. Research shows that holidays in term time have a particularly serious negative effect on a pupil’s progress and can be damaging to their learning and achievement. It is clear that every effort should be made to avoid pupils being absent from school due to holidays being taken in term time. In West Berkshire the number of days lost in this way is considerable.

Analysis of school attendance carried out nationally shows that, as absence increases, pupils’ achievement decreases; the more days holiday absence pupils have, the less likely they are to achieve the Expected Standard or above at Key Stage 2 in both English and Maths. Results fall for children at both ends of the spectrum, including the more able. This is why we put such emphasis on children attending school consistently, and not being absent for extended periods, more than is absolutely necessary.

It is understood there are occasions when a family has no choice about when to take holidays, such as when the whole workplace closes down and all employees take their holiday at that time, or other situations which are outside family control.

Government guidance states that only Headteachers are able to authorise absence from school, but this should only be in exceptional circumstances. Holidays in term time are not a right and should not automatically be granted. Approval will not be given for:

• Holidays during SATs week. Parents should check for information on such dates.
• Long weekends and ‘odd’ days off.
• Holidays which are taken due to availability of cheap holidays or desired accommodation.
• Poor weather experienced in school holiday periods.
• Overlap with the beginning or end of term.
• Holidays for pupils whose attendance is giving cause for concern.

Penalty Notices

We want all our families to be fully aware that as a school we have to follow the government guidance about unauthorised absence from school.

From September 2024, the government introduced national rules about penalty notices (fines) for school absence. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand what this means and what the financial impact could be before you make any plans.

When could I get a penalty notice?

• If your child has 10 or more unauthorised absences (5 school days) within a 10-week school period, the school must consider a penalty notice.
• Authorised absences (such as illness, agreed medical appointments, or other reasons approved by school) will not result in a fine.
• A fine is likely if your child is taken out of school for a holiday during term time or if you are not engaging with the school’s support to improve attendance.

What is a ‘notice to improve’?

Instead of a fine, you may sometimes receive a formal warning letter called a notice to improve.

• This means your child’s attendance must improve, or a penalty notice will follow.
• This gives you another chance to work with the school to put things right.
• However, a notice to improve will not be given if your child misses school for a term-time holiday.

How much are the fines?

• £80 if paid within 21 days.
• £160 if paid within 28 days.
• If not paid, you may be prosecuted in court.

If a parent receives a second penalty notice for the same child within 3 years, the fine will be £160 flat rate (no discount for early payment).

• Parents can receive up to two penalty notices per child within 3 years. After that, other actions (such as a parenting order or prosecution) may be taken.

Further information and guidance will be provided around absence this term.

2. Updates- parent handbook and website

An updated parent handbook and home school agreement will be sent in the first week’s back. In addition, the website will also be reviewed and updated.