Penalty notices

Planned absence requests

Taking a child out of school during term-time disrupts their learning and other pupils in their class.

You should only authorise absences in exceptional circumstances. The headteacher has the final decision on whether to authorise an absence.

It is important that all schools are consistent in their message to parents.

Use the ‘withdrawal from learning application’ or use the warning it contains on your school’s own form.

Withdrawal from learning application [36.3 KB] [docx]

The planned absence procedure

The parent must complete and return a 'withdrawal from learning' application.

The headteacher makes a decision, completes the form and returns the form to the parent, keeping a full copy on file.

If absence is unauthorised

If you do not authorise the absence, but the child is absent and a penalty notice is to be requested:

Complete the request form [137.8 KB] [docx] and send to the Legal Interventions Team to interventions@eastsussex.gov.uk
Attach copies of the registration certificate confirming the unauthorised absence and return to school
Attach details of any other contact in relation to the absence.

Once they receive all the information, the Legal Interventions Team will investigate and take appropriate action.

Penalty notices guidance for schools and academies [637.5 KB] [docx]

Government guidance

Working together to improve school attendance | GOV.UK

Persistent absence and lateness

Actively discourage absence and late arrival. Arriving after the close of registration causes disruption in class.

Each school sets its own registration length agreed with the governing body.

Your attendance policy should state how long registers are open. Government guidance says that registers can be open for a maximum of 30 minutes from the start of registration.