FINES for not attending school are rising in a bid to clamp down on unauthorised school absences in Warwickshire.
Warwickshire County Council approved an updated Local Code of Conduct for issuing penalty notices relating to school attendance at a recent meeting of its Cabinet.
The updated code reflects a new National Framework introduced by the Department for Education which comes into effect on August 19.
This will see penalty notice rates rise from £60 to £80 if paid within 21 days. Otherwise the fine will increase from £120 to £160 for late payment.
Other key changes under the National Framework include a single national threshold for considering a penalty notice of five school days of unauthorised absence within a rolling period of ten school weeks.
Schools will make a case-by-case assessment on whether a penalty notice is appropriate when the threshold is met.
WCC’s education spokesperson Coun Kam Kaur said: “To help children be the best they can be, it is a priority for us to ensure they have access to good and regular education. We understand the importance of working with families and schools to make sure children feel safe and able to engage with education and we are committed to a taking collaborative approach with school communities.
“The new National Framework prioritises a ‘support first’ approach with an emphasis on working together and strong communication between schools and families with penalty notices only used when necessary.”
More information about school attendance In Warwickshire can be found at https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/attendanceandexclusions
