Updated Parent Penalty Notice Guidance Letter Available for 2026-27

The updated Parent Penalty Notice Guidance Letter for the 2026-27 academic year is now available on the Norfolk County Council Schools and Learning Providers website within Attendance Forms and Templates. 

Schools are reminded that, in accordance with Norfolk's Code of Conduct for Penalty Notices (PDF, 228 KB), any school wishing to request the issue of Penalty Notices must ensure that parents receive clear, accessible information about school attendance expectations and the circumstances in which a Penalty Notice may be issued. 

The Code of Conduct requires schools to: 

• Ensure that attendance information provided to parents is accessible and includes clear information about when a Penalty Notice may be issued for unauthorised absence, including unauthorised term-time holidays. 
• Issue all parents with the Penalty Notice Guidance Letter explaining the national framework for Penalty Notices. 
• Issue the guidance letter annually at the start of each academic year and ensure it is dated accordingly. 
• Provide the guidance letter to parents of any pupil joining the school during the academic year as part of the induction process. 

To support schools in meeting these requirements, the updated template guidance letter has been reviewed and refreshed for the 2026-27 academic year and is available for schools to use. 

Schools are encouraged to review their attendance communications and ensure that the guidance is issued to parents at the start of the autumn term, and thereafter as part of the induction process for any pupils joining during the academic year.