The following guidance is for parents and carers of children who live in Peterborough. On this page, you will find information on school attendance and absence, including who to contact if you have questions.
For all children to gain the greatest benefit from their education, it is vital they attend school on time every day that it is open. This is unless the reason for absence is unavoidable.
- Any absence affects the pattern of a child's schooling.
- Regular absence will seriously affect their learning.
- You can check your school's attendance policy on their own website.
What you should do if your child can't attend school
Each school will outline their specific expectations on reporting absence in their attendance policy. Schools, local authorities and all relevant partners are required to follow the working together to improve school attendance August 2024 statutory guidance (opens PDF).
Penalty notices
You could be issued with a penalty notice if your child misses school without permission. Reasons for penalty notices include:
- Truancy
- Unauthorised absence
- Your child was identified during a school attendance and exclusion sweep
- Excluded pupils found in a public place during the first five days of exclusion
- Holidays in term time without permission
Legal action may be taken if a family goes on holiday during term time without the school's permission. Instead of a penalty notice, the case could directly to the Magistrates for their consideration in court. If found guilty by the Magistrates, parents could each face a fine of up to £2,500 and / or three months imprisonment.