Penalty notice for absence

Penalty notices are issued by local councils under national rules, usually after a set amount of unauthorised absence within a short period. The thresholds and amounts are set nationally and have changed more than once in recent years, so check the current figures on GOV.UK rather than relying on older articles.

If your child is missing school because of anxiety, sensory overload Sensory overload Sensory overload is when sound, light, touch and busyness add up until a child's brain cannot take any more. It can end in a meltdown, a shutdown, or tears that seem to come from nowhere. Read the full definition of Sensory overload or unmet needs, tell the school in writing and ask for support to be put in place. Whether an absence is authorised is the school's decision, and a clear written record of the difficulties and of your requests for help matters if a notice is ever considered.

If you receive a notice, get advice quickly: you can ask the council Local authority Your local council. In England, Wales and Scotland, this is the body you ask to assess what extra help your child needs. Read the full definition of Local authority to withdraw it, and organisations that advise on school attendance and SEND SEND SEND is England's word for children who need extra help to learn. The rest of the UK uses other words, and other rules. Read the full definition of SEND can help you respond.