Regular school attendance helps children succeed academically, socially and emotionally. We work with schools and families to promote good attendance and tackle any barriers.
Why attendance matters
Every day in school helps your child learn, grow and succeed. Good attendance supports:
- academic achievement
- friendships and social skills
- safety and wellbeing
- future opportunities
Even small absences add up:
- 90% attendance = 19 missed days = 95 missed lessons
- 85% attendance = 29 missed days = 145 missed lessons
- 80% attendance = a full year of missed education over five years
Children must receive full-time education from the term after their fifth birthday until the last Friday in June of the school year they turn 16. You may be prosecuted if you fail to ensure this.
When your child can miss school
Children can only miss school if:
- the school gives permission in advance
- they’re too ill to attend
If your child is off school, contact the school on the first day and keep them updated. Send a signed note when your child returns.
Holidays during term time
You must get permission from the headteacher before taking your child out of school for a holiday. Leave will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.
- Apply before booking your holiday
- Headteachers cannot approve leave retrospectively
- You may be fined if you take your child out of school without permission
Learn more about term-time holidays on GOV.UK
Illness and medical conditions
Schools can help you decide how long your child should stay off. If your child has a medical condition or disability, schools must make reasonable adjustments and offer support.
Government guidance materials:
Legal action and penalty notices
If your child misses school without a valid reason, the council may issue:
- a Parenting Order
- an Education Supervision Order
- a School Attendance Order
- a Penalty Notice (a fine)
Penalty notices for Term-Time Holidays
You may be fined if you take your child out of school for a holiday during term time without the headteacher’s permission.
Fines:
- First offence: (within a 3-year rolling period): £160 (reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days)
- Second offence: £160 (no reduction)
- Third offence: no fine issued; case referred directly to court
Each parent may be fined separately for each child. There is no right of appeal.
Penalty notices for irregular school attendance
Penalty Notices may also be issued following a Penalty Notice Warning if your child has unauthorised absences over a specified period.
Important points:
- Notices are issued when a child has not attended regularly and absences are not authorised by the school
- Each parent will receive a separate notice for each child
Fines:
- First offence: (within a 3-year rolling period): £160 (reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days)
- Second offence: £160 (no reduction)
- Third offence: no fine issued; case referred directly to court
Prosecution
If Penalty Notices are unpaid or attendance does not improve, we may take legal action.
Under Section 444(1) of the Education Act 1996:
- Parents may be fined up to £1,000 for failing to ensure regular attendance.
Under Section 444(1)(a):
- Parents may be fined up to £2,500, receive a community order, or face up to 3 months in prison.
- The court may also issue a Parenting Order, requiring attendance at parenting classes.
School attendance and absence - legal action to enforce school attendance
Section 19 – Alternative education provision
If your child is unable to attend school for 15 days or more due to serious illness or exclusion, the Council may arrange suitable education under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996.
This does not apply to absences caused by:
- anxiety or emotional worries
- bullying concerns
- dissatisfaction with school policies
In these cases, parents must work with the school to resolve issues. If your child is likely to be absent long-term, the school will contact us.
Read Section 19 guidance on GOV.UK
Getting help with attendance
Talking to the school is the best place to start. Don't be afraid to get to know your child's teachers and headteacher - sharing problems is the first step to solving them.
They can:
- create an attendance plan
- offer support for bullying, caring responsibilities or behaviour
- refer you to other services
You may be asked to sign an attendance contract.
Attendance contracts
This is a voluntary written agreement between you, the school or academy and other agencies. Between you, you agree to find ways to improve your child’s attendance. If you refuse to make a contract or you don’t stick to it, it can be used as evidence if we decide to prosecute you.
Helping your child attend school
- Build routines early
- Avoid term-time holidays
- Schedule appointments outside school hours
- Stay in touch with the school
- Take an active interest in your child’s school work and offer support with homework
- Each school day is split into two sessions and the attendance register is taken every morning and afternoon. If your child is poorly first thing but improves by lunchtime, send them into school for the afternoon session
- Encourage attendance even after illness
DfE Parent Guide: Working Together to Improve Attendance
If your child doesn’t want to go to school
It’s normal for children to feel worried about school sometimes - this could be due to friendships, schoolwork or exams. Encourage your child to attend regularly, even if they feel a bit anxious or unwell. Missing school can make it harder to catch up and increase anxiety about returning.
If your child Isanxious about school
Talk to your child to understand what’s worrying them. They may struggle to explain, so be patient. Once you know more, speak to the school. They can offer support and make changes to help your child feel more comfortable. If you think your child has an underlying issue, ask to speak to the school’s SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator).
Keep in regular contact with the school - unauthorised absences may lead to legal action.
If anxiety Is stopping your child from attending achool
In rare cases, children may be unable to attend school due to mental health issues. If your child is very anxious or distressed:
- speak to your GP
- inform the school
The school will work with you to create a plan to help your child return to full-time education. This may include advice from us or a referral to the Hartlepool Inclusion Panel (with your consent).
Plans are tailored to each child and aim to gradually increase attendance while keeping up with learning. Stay in regular contact with the school and support your child through the process.
Further guidance
Young Minds Parent Guide
DfE Mental Health and Attendance Summary
Contact Us
AttendanceTeam@hartlepool.gov.uk - For questions about attendance, support or Section 19 provision.