A Penalty Notice is one of the legal interventions available to address unauthorised school absence. It may be issued in accordance with the Education (Penalty Notices) (England) Regulations 2007 and Sutton’s Penalty Notice Code of Conduct where the required threshold for unauthorised absence has been met.
Penalty Notices form part of Sutton’s Attendance Graduated Response and should be used alongside a support-first approach to improving attendance. Schools, families and the Local Authority should work together to identify and address barriers to attendance before legal enforcement is considered.
Further Guidance
For Schools
Information for schools on the circumstances in which a Penalty Notice may be requested, the evidential requirements, thresholds for issue and the process for submitting referrals.
→ Penalty Notices: Guidance for Schools
For Parents
Information for parents about Penalty Notices, payment arrangements, what happens if a notice is not paid and where to access support regarding school attendance.
→ Penalty Notice: Information for Parents