Herefordshire Council wants all children in the county to have the best start in life. Attending school regularly greatly improves your child's chances of fulfilling their potential and receiving a good education. All children of compulsory school age must receive an appropriate full time education. A child remains of compulsory school age until the last Friday in June of the academic year in which they become 16. Young people are then required to participate in education, training or work with training until they turn 18. You can find out more on the government's school leaving age page.

Parents or carers have responsibility for ensuring their child receives appropriate full time education, whether that is in school or otherwise. When a child is registered at school, you as the parent or carer are responsible for ensuring your child attends regularly. Failure to do so may lead to a referral being made to Herefordshire Council. This could result in a fixed penalty notice or further legal action including a maximum fine of £2,500 and/or up to three months imprisonment.

You can help your child develop good attendance habits from the start by showing them that you think school is important. See our tips to encourage good attendance.

If you are aware of a child who appears to not be going to school and is not receiving any other form of education, you should report it to us as soon as possible on cme@herefordshire.gov.uk.

Children's licensing and enforcement

For further information and support telephone: 01432 260517 or 01432 383342

Address: Plough Lane, Hereford HR4 0LE
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