Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council remind parents that action could be taken for children missing school

Parents and carers are being reminded that they could face fines and prosecution if their child does not attend school regularly and on time.

Now schools have been reopened, the Government has made it clear that all pupils should be going to school regularly - a message which has been backed up by Jonathan Lewis, director of education for Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council.

Mr Lewis has pointed out that missing '10 minutes of school a day over a year equates to 6.3 days of lost education'.

To address irregular school attendance, unauthorised term-time leave and late arrival at school, Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council can use a variety of enforcement actions - including Penalty Notice fines and prosecution.

Penalty Notice fines for unauthorised absence during term time - including unauthorised family holidays – have also been reinstated.

In a letter to parents Mr Lewis says: “The local authority firmly believes that for pupils to progress and achieve their full potential they need to attend school. Regular school attendance is very important in giving your child the best possible start in life.

"Children who miss school frequently can fall behind with their work and not perform as well in exams.

“Children who arrive late at school after the attendance register is closed are deemed as absent from school. Therefore, it is equally important for everyone not to be late for registration.

"Missing 10 minutes a day over the year equates to 6.3 days education being lost,” he continues.

Coun Bryony Goodliffe, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Children and Young People’s Committee said: “We know that regular attendance is key to ensuring children achieve the best possible educational outcomes. The vast majority of parents support their child’s full attendance at school as they recognise the significant impact this can have on their child’s education and their life chances. Unfortunately there are a few who do not recognise this.”

Any application for leave can only be granted by the headteacher – and only in exceptional circumstances. Any parent who believes their circumstances are exceptional should discuss it with their child’s school first before making travel arrangements or allowing their child to be absent from school.

Coun Lynne Ayres, Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education, Skills and the University added: “Term time holidays and late arrival at school are not acceptable. It is unfair on the child and their teachers, disrupts the child’s education and can ultimately be harmful to the child’s progress. Now that schools are fully open again there is no excuse for irregular or incomplete attendance in the classroom.”