School Attendance and Term-Time Leave
Attendance and Safeguarding
Regular attendance is a key safeguarding responsibility and plays an essential role in keeping children safe, well and able to learn. When children are not in school, we cannot be assured of their wellbeing, safety or access to education.
We monitor attendance daily and follow up all absences promptly. Patterns of absence, including frequent, unexplained or unauthorised absence, may give rise to safeguarding concerns. Where attendance causes concern, we work closely and supportively with families to understand and address any barriers. When necessary, and in line with statutory guidance, we will involve external agencies, including the local authority, to ensure children are safe and appropriately supported.
Term‑Time Leave and Fines – Information for Parents
Why attendance matters
Good attendance underpins pupils’ learning, wellbeing and safeguarding. Schools are required to monitor attendance closely and take early action where concerns arise.
We aim for all pupils to achieve attendance of at least 96%. Attendance below 90% is classed as persistent absence and requires further action in line with national guidance. Even short periods of absence can impact children’s learning and progress, particularly in the primary years.
When can a child be absent from school?
By law, children must attend school every day unless one of the following applies:
- They are too ill to attend
- The school has agreed an absence in advance due to exceptional circumstances
- The absence is for a recognised religious observance
- There are agreed transport issues arranged by the local authority
Holidays during term time are not considered exceptional circumstances and are usually recorded as unauthorised.
What counts as unauthorised absence?
If a child is absent without the school’s permission, the absence is classed as unauthorised.
This includes:
- Family holidays taken during term time
- Arriving late after the register has closed
- Absences where no valid reason is provided
Bradford Council has a legal duty to take action where unauthorised absence occurs.
Penalty Notices (Fines) – What parents need to know
When will a fine be considered?
A Penalty Notice must be considered when a child has:
- 10 unauthorised sessions (the equivalent of 5 school days) within a rolling 10‑week period
These sessions do not need to be consecutive. A term‑time holiday of 5 consecutive days automatically meets this threshold.
How much is the fine?
Penalty Notices are issued per parent, per child.
First offence
- £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days
- £160 per parent, per child if paid within 28 days
Second offence (within 3 years)
- £160 per parent, per child
- No reduced rate available
Third offence (within 3 years)
- A Penalty Notice will not be issued
- The case may be referred directly to court
If prosecuted, the court may issue:
- A fine of up to £2,500
- A parenting order or community order
- In extreme cases, a prison sentence of up to 3 months
Important information for families
- Each parent can receive up to two fines per child within a three‑year period
- If a fine is not paid on time, Bradford Council must consider prosecution
- Notice to Improve warnings do not apply to term‑time holidays — fines are issued directly
- Money raised from fines is used to cover attendance processes and provide support services. The money is not used in schools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)s