A Bromley mum has been fined after failing to regularly send her child to school for over seven months.
The mother was due to appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court today, December 3, after being found guilty of failing to ensure her child frequently attended school.
Court documents said the child was intermittently absent from school between October 30 2023 and June 14 2024. The child was reportedly nine years old and registered at a primary school within the borough.
The mother did not attend her hearing at Bromley Magistrates’ Court, with her case being proved in her absence.
She was found guilty under Section 444 of the Education Act 1996, stating the parent of any child who fails to regularly attend school when of a compulsory age is guilty of an offence
Chief magistrate Phiroze Neemuchwala said he had to consult sentencing guidelines prior to his decision. He also gave consideration to the fact that the mum is on benefits and has mental health difficulties.
He said: “This was an extremely long time and is very troubling for the well-being of the child.”
The defendant was charged £120, including a surcharge of £48. This will be paid in instalments of £20 a month, with the first payment due in 28 days.
Bromley Council states that it is the decision of schools on whether absences are authorised under Department for Education guidance. A notice to improve is typically sent to parents before a penalty notice is issued, which gives 15 days for attendance to improve.
The authority has stated there is no right to appeal penalty notices that have been issued. Failure to pay such notices can result in matters being taken to court.
