Penalty Notice Change for Attendance

Wed 28 Jan 2026
January 2026

Subject: Update to Wakefield Penalty Notice rules for school attendance

Dear Parent/Carer,

We are writing to let you know about an update to Wakefield Council’s Penalty Notice Policy for school attendance.

What is a Penalty Notice?

A penalty notice is a fine issued by the local authority when a child has unauthorised absences, and it asks parents to pay a set amount of money instead of the matter going to court. If unpaid, the matter can later go to court.

What has changed?

Wakefield Council can now issue a penalty notice earlier in some situations, even if the usual number of unauthorised days has not been reached.

This may happen if:
  • A child has repeated unauthorised absences, even if they are fewer than 5 days.
  • Unauthorised absence happens around INSET days or S​chool holidays.
  • A child has already received a penalty notice and further unauthorised absence occurs.

Each case will be looked at individually. 

Longer unauthorised absences

If a child is absent for 20 school days or more due to unauthorised term-time leave, the Council may take legal action instead of issuing another fine.

What parents should know

  • Term-time holidays are not usually authorised.
  • Repeated unauthorised absence can lead to ​larger fines or prosecution.
  • ​I​f you are planning to have an absence, please contact the academy. 

Thank you for your support in helping children attend school regularly.

Yours sincerely,
​Outwood Academy City Fields

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