PARENTS in Warrington may now be issued a fine for their child’s absences from school.

While previously the borough has not been penalised for school absences, this is all about to change.

In accordance with new government guidance on improving school attendance, Warrington Borough Council has confirmed that parents may be issued a penalty notice if their child meets specified thresholds of absences.

The new 2024 guidance issued by the Labour government emphasises “the importance of regular school attendance” and sets out clear areas where councils should consider the use of penalty notices.

And Warrington Borough Council issued a letter to parents highlighting some of key changes that will be put in place going forward.

The ‘clear thresholds’ that if reached may warrant a penalty notice being issued are the following:

Code U – late after the close of registration. If there are 10 or more sessions missed over a 10-week period and a notice to improve has not brought about a change.

Code G – if there are two or more holidays in term time over a 12-month rolling period.

Code G or O – if there has been one extended period of absence which is greater than 10 sessions.

A spokesperson for the council stated that “if any of the above criteria are met, Warrington Borough Council may issue each parent a fine of £80, rising to £160 if you do not pay within 21 days”.

Each parent may get up to two fines for the same child in a three-year period, it was also confirmed and if you are issued a second fine in three years this will be at the cost of £160 with no option to pay at a lower rate.

Fines that are not paid within the stated 28-day period may result in the recipient being sent to court and prosecuted.

Lastly if a child is off school three or more times within the three years, parents will not be fined but instead may be taken to court which could result in a criminal record.

Commenting on the new changes brought in, a Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “We have not issued fixed penalty notices for school absences in the past, however recent government guidance on improving school attendance sets out clear areas where councils should consider the use of penalty notices. This guidance is statutory, and councils must adhere to it.

“The updated guidance also focuses heavily on a wide range of early intervention and support. Fixed penalty notices are one of the interventions that can be used to improve school attendance.

“Schools will continue to work closely with families to address any concerns that may affect children’s attendance. We would encourage parents/carers to engage with their school as early as they can if there are any challenges in maintaining regular attendance.

“As a council, our priority continues to be working together to support families. We also understand that circumstances may arise that could impact attendance, and we are here to work with the school and help in the first instance.”