I am writing to you to request the following information regarding fines handed out to parents for taking their children out of school without permission. I am looking for information for the school year so far (from September until now) and for the last two academic school years, please – 2022-2023 and 2021-2022.
1. How many schools are in your area?
This information is already publicly available at Schools Archive – Schools Information – Education and Families
2. How many fines have been handed out to parents for taking their children out of school without permission?
• 2021/ 2022 = 699 penalty notices were issued for unauthorised holidays
• 2022/ 2023 = 2852 penalty notices were issued for unauthorised holidays
• 2023 – 19 January 2024 (date of information request) = 723 penalty notices were issued for unauthorised holidays
3. How much money has been collected from these fines, per academic year and this academic year so far?
• 2021/2022 = £34,740
• 2022/2023 = £143,460
• 2023 – 19 January 2024 (date of information request) £24,480 however some of these are still active and could be paid at a later date.
4. How much is the average fine in the local area for taking children out of school without permission?
Penalty notices can be paid either at £60 or £120 depending on the date within the timeframe set out on the penalty notices.