Dear Parent/ Guardian,

Re: Education Penalty Notice Warning Letter

Eastcroft Park School takes a pupil’s absence from school very seriously. If your child fails to attend school regularly you may be guilty of a criminal offence and could be prosecuted.

Education Penalty Notices have been introduced under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 as an additional sanction to address the problem of poor school attendance.

They are issued if at least ten sessions (five schooldays) of unauthorised absence (including lateness after the register is closed) are recorded in a ten week period.

Option 1 - Non-consecutive unauthorised absence

You have been sent this warning letter because your child - has recently recorded some

unauthorised absences. If your child has further unauthorised absences, a Penalty Notice may be issued.

Option 2 - Requested leave of absence

You have been sent this warning letter because of a requested leave of absence for your child - or the period x to x, which I have unfortunately been unable to grant. Following guidance from the Department of Education, I am only able to authorise leave in exceptional circumstances.

Option 3 - Unrequested leave of absence

You have been sent this warning letter because of an unrequested leave of absence for your child - for the period x to x.

Option 4 - Consecutive unauthorised absence

You have been sent this warning letter because of a current absence which has been reported as an illness. If there are at least ten consecutive sessions (five school days) missed due to this illness, appropriate medical evidence obtained during the period of absence will be required to ensure it remains authorised.

If you are issued with an Education Penalty Notice from the Local Authority, you will be required to pay a fine of £120, reduced to £60 if paid within 21 days of the date of the Notice. If issued, there is no right of appeal. Payment for the notice will discharge your liability for the irregular attendance of your child. If payment is not received, you may be prosecuted.

Support and guidance is available or if you have any questions about this letter, please contact Amanda Barry.