Free practical guide · England-focused parent guidance

Attendance Fines and EBSA

A calm, factual guide to your rights when a school threatens a penalty notice for absence caused by anxiety or SEND. Understand the statutory guidance and prepare your next steps.

Source and review details

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This is a Hub editorial review, not an independent legal, clinical or case review. Check the original sources and get individual advice where your circumstances require it.

Resource owner: The EBSA & SEN Hub
Last checked: 7 September 2026
Next review: No later than 7 March 2027, or sooner if attendance guidance changes

What this covers: England-focused general information about attendance support, penalty notices and questions to take to a school or local authority. It is not advice on whether to pay, challenge or defend a specific penalty notice.

Main public sourcesDfE: Working together to improve school attendance ↗Education Act 1996: section 444 ↗SEND Code of Practice ↗GOV.UK: Find an information, advice and support service ↗

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This is general educational information, not legal, clinical or case-specific advice. It cannot determine whether a statutory duty applies in your situation.