Houghton Regis dad says bereaved son ‘let down by system’ after getting fine for school absences
A dad from Houghton Regis has slammed a school for handing him a fine for his son’s absences, despite claiming he had sent medical proof to explain he was sick.
Tim Welch’s 11-year-old son, Christian, had been repeatedly absent from Ardley Hill Academy due to what Tim said were ongoing health issues, including tonsillitis and possible allergies.
Tim claims the academy and Central Bedfordshire Council sent an £80 fixed penalty notice without first following their own attendance policy, which requires a ‘notice to improve’.
But while the fine has now been withdrawn following a review, angry Tim said: “They started getting really nasty about his attendance, even though we were providing medical evidence every time we went to the doctors.”
Adrian Rogers, CEO of Chiltern Learning Trust which runs the school, said: “The school followed all policies and of course, we cannot comment on an ex-parent and former student and their individual circumstances.”
The father also said Christian’s poor attendance was also down to bereavements in the family, including the death of his mother in 2024.
Tim said: “Disgusted that Christian’s been let down by the system. Central Beds cannot be trusted.”
A Central Bedfordshire Council spokesperson revealed that after reviewing Mr Welch’s case, the council has withdrawn the fine, with a notice to improve handed out instead.
They said: "Schools are responsible for recording attendance, determining whether absences should be authorised or unauthorised and, where appropriate, referring cases to the council for consideration of a penalty notice.
"The council considers every referral individually and does not take decisions relating to enforcement action lightly. Each case is assessed against the requirements of the Education Act 1996, the Education (Penalty Notices) (England) Regulations 2007 (as amended) and the Department for Education's statutory guidance before a decision is made.”
The spokesperson added: “A notice to improve is intended to provide parents with the opportunity to improve their child's school attendance.
"Because this relates to an individual child, we are unable to comment further on the specific circumstances of the case."
Tim said: “Very disappointed. Very upset. Feels that he was really let down by Ardley Hill. That people he thought he could trust at that school, he can’t.”