A “Notice to Improve” is usually issued when a student has missed a certain number of unauthorized school sessions (often 10 or more) and the school has already provided support to address the attendance issue, but attendance hasn’t improved. The notice provides a deadline to improve attendance, after which a penalty notice or other legal action may be considered.
This is a formal written warning that, unless attendance significantly improves, you will be issued with a penalty notice. This is to give you another chance to work with the school to improve your child’s attendance.
A ‘notice to improve’ will not be given if you take a holiday in term time without permission.
What triggers it?
A Notice to Improve is typically issued after a child has accumulated a significant number of unauthorized absences.
What’s the purpose?
It’s a formal written warning that attendance needs to improve, giving parents a final opportunity to work with the school and local authority to address the issue.
What happens next?
The notice usually specifies a timeframe (e.g., 20 school days) within which attendance should improve. If attendance doesn’t improve within that timeframe, a penalty notice or further action (like a court warning) might be considered.
What can parents do?
Parents are encouraged to contact the school and/or the local authority to discuss the situation and access available support services.