Consultation on fixed-penalty notices for regular school absenteeism

Proposals for introducing fixed penalty notices for regular non-attendance at school have been published by Welsh Labour’s Education Minister, Leighton Andrews.

The consultation sets out proposals for the introduction of fixed penalty notices as an alternative option for addressing the issue of persistent unauthorised absences. Under the proposals, Local Authorities would be responsible for administering the penalty notice system and would have to ensure that the scheme is administered efficiently, fairly and consistently across the Local Authority area.

The proposed cost of a fixed penalty notice would be £60 if paid within 28 days rising to £120 if paid after 28 but within 42 days. If the penalty was not paid in full by the end of the 42 day period the Local Authority would have to either prosecute for the offence or withdraw the notice.

As well as explaining details of how the proposed fixed penalty system would operate, the consultation also looks at statistical links between attendance and attainment, the main issues surrounding absenteeism from school, and the overall effectiveness of penalty notices.