By Carole Dennett
Parents of one in ten children on the Island were issued with school attendance penalty notices (PNs) in the 2024/25 academic year, according to new figures released yesterday (Thursday).
A total of 1,481 notices were issued for unauthorised family holidays — down from 1,913 the previous year but higher than the 1,413 recorded in 2022/23. Only six PNs were issued for other reasons.
One notable rise is in repeat cases: 20 PNs were issued to parents of the same child for a second time within three years, a number previously too low to report.
Of all notices issued, 1,265 were paid within 21 days, with a further 47 paid within 28 days. However, 86 cases progressed to prosecution after non‑payment, and 38 remain unresolved.
The Island’s rate of PNs per 100 pupils now stands at 10.1, down from 12.8 last year but still well above the national rate of 6.7. High levels of unauthorised absence are likely to be linked to the Island’s poor performance in national attainment tables.
Parenting contracts – often used as a supportive measure before enforcement – totalled 442, up from 340 last year but below the 575 issued in 2022/23.
While many parents cite the cost of holidays as a reason for travelling in term time, schools are under pressure to maintain attendance and follow national guidance. Councils can fine each parent £80, rising to £160 if unpaid within 21 days.
An Isle of Wight Council spokesman said the authority follows statutory guidance and uses legal measures “appropriately and proportionately”.
He added: “We have taken a strong and proportionate approach to wider attendance enforcement. Last year, the Isle of Wight was responsible for 14 of the 53 Education Supervision Orders issued nationally, demonstrating our focused use of this measure where it is in the best interests of the child.
“Legal measures are used only where supportive approaches have not resulted in sustained improvement.”
Mal Butler