The use of Penalty Notices to improve the attendance of pupils with unauthorised absences

Stoke on Trent has some 32,000 pupils, 17 high schools and 106 special and primary schools. The city is still in the grips of the effects of the decline of the coal, steel and pottery industry and has areas of high deprivation and low employment.  Whilst attendance has risen 6 years running, a long-term goal is to change parental attitudes to education.