For many parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), school attendance isn’t as straightforward as it is for neurotypical children. Whether it’s due to medical appointments, burnout, sensory overload, or simply needing a break, there are valid reasons why you might need to take your child out of school during term time.
However, many local authorities and schools still issue fines to parents for term-time absences—even when the child has an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP). But did you know that these fines can be legally challenged?
Here’s what you need to know about term-time absences with an EHCP, how to appeal fines, and your rights as a parent.
📌 Are You Legally Allowed to Take Your EHCP Child Out of School in Term Time?
Yes—but only with permission from the school.
Legally, parents must get permission from the Headteacher for any term-time absences. Schools can authorize absence in exceptional circumstances, which must be defined on a case-by-case basis.
📜 The Law Says:
✔️ Under Section 444 of the Education Act 1996, parents can be fined if their child misses school without permission.
✔️ However, the law also requires schools to consider individual needs, particularly for children with SEND.
✔️ If your child has an EHCP, the local authority has a legal duty to ensure that their educational provision meets their needs—and sometimes, that means allowing time off.
🚨 Can You Challenge a Fine for Term-Time Absence?
If your child’s absence was due to SEND-related needs, you may have grounds to challenge the fine.
🔍 Reasons You Can Use to Challenge the Fine:
✅ The absence was related to their disability – If your child was struggling with anxiety, sensory overload, or medical needs, you can argue that the absence was necessary under the Equality Act 2010.
✅ The school did not make reasonable adjustments – If the school failed to support your child’s attendance (e.g., by refusing to allow flexibility for their EHCP needs), they could be in breach of their legal duty.
✅ The local authority failed to provide suitable education – If your child wasn’t receiving proper SEND support, you can argue that their absence was a result of inadequate provision, not parental neglect.
✅ You had a valid reason under ‘exceptional circumstances’ – If you applied for term-time leave and were denied unfairly, you can argue that the decision was unreasonable.
⚖️ How to Legally Challenge the Fine
If you receive a penalty notice, follow these steps:
Step 1️⃣: Request a Review from the Local Authority
- Ask for a written explanation of why the fine was issued.
- Explain why the absence was necessary due to your child’s SEND needs and EHCP.
- Provide evidence, such as doctor’s notes, therapist letters, or an EHCP reference.
Step 2️⃣: Use the Equality Act 2010
- Schools must make reasonable adjustments for disabled children.
- If your child’s condition makes full attendance difficult, argue that penalizing them breaches their disability rights.
Step 3️⃣: Appeal the Fine in Court (If Needed)
- If the fine is upheld, you can challenge it in a Magistrates’ Court.
- Many fines are withdrawn before reaching court if there is solid evidence that the absence was due to SEND-related reasons.
🔹 Key Takeaways
✔️ Schools can fine parents for term-time absences, but SEND and EHCP-related absences can often be challenged.
✔️ The Equality Act 2010 protects disabled children from unfair penalties.
✔️ Gather strong evidence to show that the absence was necessary due to your child’s SEND needs.
✔️ AskEllie can help you challenge unfair fines and understand your legal rights.
🚀 Need Help with a Fine or School Attendance Issue?
📩 Get instant SEND legal advice at AskEllie.co.uk – free, 24/7 support for parents navigating the system.
💬 Have you faced fines for term-time absences? Let us know in the comments or share this post to
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