Has anyone been fined for taking their Dc out of school for less than 5 days?

[nappyaddict]

I have heard there is a loophole that means if DC are off for less than 5 days you can't be fined but I don't know how true that is.

You can be, it is up to the LA, but my understanding is that not many do fine for fewer than 5 days

There is no general loophole. Your LA must have a code of conduct (although it may not be called that) which defines under what circumstances parents can be fined. Many set a minimum number of absences before a fine will be imposed but a few will fine for a single absence.

how would I find out if my la has a minimum number?

Took out for 4 days, had letter saying wouldn't be fined unless any further unauthorised absence.

Marking my place and bumping as I have the same question. I have searched and searched my LA's website for the answer and its not on there. I suspect that is because they don't want people thinking 'Oh I can have up to 5 days unauthorised'. I doubt that all unauthorised absences get sent to the LA unless there is a pattern or problem with that childs attendance. I just received DS report which had him down as one unauthorised absence when he was just late! (The first and only time he was late) I didn't get a letter from the school or anyone so I am basing my theory on that!
I'd also like to know if anyone out there knows - if you have received your childs report with their attendance levels is this the one that goes to the LA ? (so not including from here on attendance until the end of term).

Airborne,

Phone your LA and ask for copy of the code of conduct regarding the issue of fines for unauthorised absences.

From memory, the guidance from the gubmint is that the legislation is 'permissive' & that it is up to local authorities and governing bodies to decide which, if any parts of it to use.

AIUI, the local authority does not issue fines automatically, rather it is the school that asks the LA to issue the fines. The interpretation of the word 'exceptional' is down to the headteacher.

Our LA has a fairly strict code of conduct on unauthorised absences. For the time being, our school has decided not to request fines.

tiggytape,

My quote above is from the the DofE guidance:

www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/268787/Parental_Responsibility_Measures_for_School_Attendance_and_Behaviour.pdf

Under 'Purpose and Scope' it says:
"These measures are permissive and it is for
individual governing bodies and local authorities to decide whether to use them."

Our school has based its stance on this guidance.

Interesting, what you say, I had understood the DofE document differently & now I am not so sure.

Where I am, in Derbyshire, it works like this....

a) Term time absence for a holiday/trip etc is coded as unauthorised.

b) School asks LA to issue penalty notice.

c) LA issues notice in accordance with their code of conduct.

Our school is doing a) but not b), so c) does not happen.