7. Non-payment of penalty notices
7.1
If payment is not received within 28 days, the local authority will consider prosecution for the unauthorised absence.
7.2
A letter is sent to the parent informing of the Local Authority’s intention to pursue legal proceedings for the period of absence in question.
7.3
The instigation of legal proceedings for unauthorised absence from school under S444(1) or S444(1A) of the Education Act 1996 may also be considered where it is deemed to be appropriate.
7.4
The prosecution is not for the non-payment of the penalty notice but is for failure to ensure regular attendance at school.