St Thomas More High School
Attendance
Improving school attendance is everyone’s business and, to tackle the challenge we face, we need to work together.
The Government has launched a national campaign, aimed at parents and carers, on the importance of school attendance.
Our goal is to create a nurturing and affirmative bond between parents and school, emphasising the pivotal role attendance has in enhancing their child’s overall wellbeing.
Our intention is to guide parents towards accessible online resources and information to empower them with valuable insight and guidance for them to make the right decision for their child.
The campaign tagline is:
“moments matter, attendance counts”
Penalty Notice Fines
With the introduction of the new National Framework for Penalty Notices, the following changes will come into force for Penalty Notice Fines issued after 19th August 2024.
National Threshold
There will be a single consistent national threshold for when a penalty notice must be considered by all schools in England of 10 sessions (usually equivalent to 5 school days) of unauthorised absence within a rolling 10 school week period.
These sessions do not have to be consecutive and can be made up of a combination of any type of unauthorised absence.
The 10-school week period can span different terms or school years.
St Thomas More will ask for medical evidence of appointments and illness.
Per Parent, Per Child
Penalty Notice Fines are issued to each parent for each child that was absent.
For example, 3 siblings absent for term-time leave, would result in each parent receiving 3 separate fines.
First Offence
The first time a Penalty Notice is issued for unauthorised absence, the amount will be:
£160 per parent, per child paid within 28 days.
Reduced to £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days.
Second Offence (within 3 years)
The Second time a Penalty Notice is issued for unauthorised absence the amount will be:
£160 per parent, per child paid within 28 days.
Messaging has been developed from research into parental attitudes towards attendance, and pilot campaigns in two local authorities.
Request a leave of absence
If you need to request a leave of absence, please fill out the above form and send it via email to attendance@st-thomasmore.southend.sch.uk