The Department for Education has confirmed that attendance penalty notices are issued per parent, per child, meaning both separated parents can be fined for the same term-time absence. A first notice costs £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days, rising to £160 after that.
According to a new report from Mediate, 41% of family disputes during the back-to-school season focus on term-time arrangements and handovers. A further 25% involve school pick-ups, drop-offs and travel logistics, while 23% involve disagreements over school costs, including uniform and equipment.
The report also found that 15% of disputes centre on after-school clubs and wraparound care. These findings come as families across England and Wales prepare for the transition from summer holidays to the new school year.
Penalty notices explained
Mediate's report states: “Penalty notices for unauthorised absence in England are issued per parent, per child. If one parent takes the children away in term time without the headteacher’s authorisation, the local authority can fine both parents, whether or not the other one agreed to the trip.”
“A first notice is £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days, rising to £160 after that.” A second notice for the same child within three years is £160, with no reduced rate. “After two notices in three years the local authority may prosecute, and a court can impose a fine of up to £2,500.”
The warning comes as the Labour Party government continues to enforce attendance rules under the Department for Education. Local authorities can issue fines to both parents even if only one parent decided to take the child out of school without authorisation.
Managing back-to-school challenges
Mediate says: “The back-to-school period will always bring challenges. With planning, clear communication and a focus on children's wellbeing, those challenges become manageable rather than overwhelming.”
“Success comes from building systems and relationships that can adapt as circumstances change, while keeping children's needs at the centre of decisions. Whether parents live together or apart, good communication, shared responsibility and child focused decision making create the foundation for a successful school year and stronger family relationships.”
Jess Knauf added: “Every family is different, and what works for one might not work for another. The key is finding approaches that work for your particular situation, and being willing to adjust them as circumstances change.”
Practical implications for families
For separated parents, the per-parent, per-child fining structure means that even a parent who did not agree to a term-time trip could face financial penalties. The £80 first notice amount applies if paid within 21 days, but this rises to £160 after that period.
Repeated offences escalate quickly: a second notice within three years costs £160 with no reduced rate, and after two notices in three years, the local authority may prosecute. A court can then impose a fine of up to £2,500.
Parents are advised to communicate clearly about school attendance plans and seek headteacher authorisation before any term-time absence. The report emphasises that planning and child-focused decision making are key to avoiding disputes and penalties during the school year.
