Despite what is being reported by the media, there has been no change in legislation, Department for Education’s (DfE) Guidance or Central Bedfordshire Policy and Practice concerning the use of Penalty Notices. 

The DfE’s response to the recent events clearly demonstrates the seriousness with which they continue to regard regular school attendance. The DfE states: “It is a myth that missing school even for a short time is harmless to a child’s education”.