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The School’s headteacher decides if they wish to fine unauthorised absences from school by issuing a Fixed Penalty Notice. The Local Authority can also prosecute parents for non-attendance without issuing a Fixed Penalty Notice. Only the Local Authority can prosecute parents and they must fund all associated costs.
What is a legal excuse for missing school?
The most common valid excuses are: Illness or quarantine, medical or dental appointment, funeral attendance, Religious holiday or ceremony, or court appeal.
What happens if you have an Unauthorised absence?
Unauthorised absence should be dealt with by a series of warnings which could ultimately end up with dismissal with notice. A straight dismissal for an unauthorised absence would be risky, if an employee has two or more years’ service, they might be able to bring a claim for unfair dismissal against the employer.
What happens when a child refuses to go to school?
In many cases, a child will outright refuse to go to school. Many parents respond to their child’s refusal to attend school by yelling, screaming, and taking everything away. Other parents get worn down by their child and simply give up.
What happens if a child goes to college under a court order?
Another issue that must be considered when a child who is supported under a court order decides to attend college is how custody and support of the child will affect any application for federal financial aid.
Can a parent be fined for their child not going to school?
If you do not, you could be prosecuted or given a fine. Your local council can give each parent a fine of £60, which rises to £120 each if you do not pay within 21 days. If you do not pay the fine after 28 days you may be prosecuted for your child’s absence from school. Check your local council’s rules on when you can be fined.
What to do if your child does not show up for school?
Your school will work with you if your child has more than five days of unapproved or unexplained days off in a school year. If this does not work, your school might refer your child to a school attendance officer. The school attendance officer will monitor and investigate your child’s attendance.