GLF Schools

GLF Schools

GLF Schools was founded in 2012 in order to enable the federation of Glyn School (an academy in 2011) and Danetree Junior School. Together, we began our journey to become a MAT of more than 1000 talented staff working with over 10,000 children in 40 schools across 5 regions in southern England.

Our Schools

Banbury Region

Banstead Region

Berkshire & Hampshire Region

Caterham Region

Crawley Region

Didcot Region

Epsom Region

London Boroughs

Redhill Region

Sunbury & Camberley Region

Fixed Penalty Notices

A Penalty Notice is a fine that the local authority can issue when a child has periods of unauthorised absence from school. It is part of the national approach to encouraging strong attendance and making sure every child has the best possible chance to succeed.

It’s important to know that Penalty Notices are not the school’s first step — they are used only when other support and communication haven’t resolved attendance concerns.

Why Are Penalty Notices Given?

Penalty Notices exist to help make sure:

  • Children don’t miss valuable learning time -  Every day of school matters. Regular absence can lead to gaps in understanding and affect progress. 
  • Children stay connected with friends and routines - Missing school can make a child feel left out or anxious about returning. 
  • Parents, carers, schools, and the local authority work together -  The system encourages early conversations and shared responsibility for attendance. 
  • Unauthorised absences are reduced - This includes holidays in term time or repeated absences without a valid reason.

A Supportive Approach

Before a Penalty Notice is issued, schools aim to:

  • Contact families
  • Offer support
  • Understand any barriers
  • Put plans in place to help improve attendance

A Penalty Notice is only considered when these steps haven’t been successful or when there is a clear case of unauthorised absence, such as a term-time holiday.

How Fix Penalty Notices Work

From 19 August 2024, The Education (Penalty Notices) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 came into force. These regulations set out how and when Fixed Penalty Notices are issued.

Please refer to our Attendance Policy for full details. The amounts payable under a Penalty Notice are outlined below:

1. First Penalty Notice in a rolling 3-year period (since 19 August 2024)

If you have not incurred a penalty notice relating to this child/children in a rolling 3‑year period since 19 August 2024:

  • The penalty notice will be charged at £160.00 per parent/carer per child if paid within 28 days.
  • This will be reduced to £80.00 if paid within 21 days of receipt.
  • Failure to pay will result in Surrey County Council considering legal proceedings in the Magistrates’ Court.

2. Second Penalty Notice within the rolling 3-year period

If you have incurred a penalty notice relating to this child/children since 19 August 2024:

  • The rolling 3‑year period is activated from the date of the first notice.
  • The second notice will be charged at the flat rate of £160.00 per parent/carer per child, if paid within 28 days.
  • There is no reduction for payment within 21 days.
  • Failure to pay will result in Surrey County Council considering legal proceedings in the Magistrates’ Court.

3. Two previous penalty notices within the same 3-year period

If you have already incurred two penalty notices relating to this child/children within the rolling 3‑year period:

  • You will not receive a third penalty notice.
  • Surrey County Council will have no option but to consider a prosecution per parent/carer per child in the Magistrates’ Court under Section 444 of the Education Act 1996.