School attendance guidance explains the rules for going to school and how families can get help. It outlines what happens and what fines you must pay if a child misses school without permission.
Children who miss school often find it harder to do well. Working together with your school helps every child get the best from their learning. For more information, see the policies and guidance below:
School Attendance and Intervention Model Policy
How schools track attendance and support families.
Support for children who can't go to school because of illness or medical needs.
How teachers, social care teams, and council staff work together to help children stay in school.
Education penalty notices (EPN)
By law, parents must make sure their children go to school regularly. Doing so helps children get the most out of their education.
If your child needs to be away from school, you must get permission from the headteacher. If your child misses school without permission, you may get a fine called an EPN.
How much are the fines?
The London Borough of Harrow issues fines on behalf of schools.
The fines for unauthorised absence are:
- £80 per parent, per child, if you pay within 21 days.
- £160 per parent, per child, if you pay between 22 and 28 days of receiving the fine.
If you get a second EPN within three years, the fine is automatically £160.
If you get two fines within three years, your child's school may ask us to take legal action. This can lead to a court hearing at a Magistrates' Court. A judge can impose a fine of up to £2,500 or a prison sentence of up to three months.
Paying a penalty notice
To pay your EPN online, you will need to know or provide:
- the date the penalty was issued
- The reference number (provided on your notice)
- Your child's details
- Your contact details
- A valid method of payment.