As of Monday, parents in England are facing higher fines if their children are taken out of school without permission. The Department of Education (DfE) introduced new guidance in February to address unauthorised absences, particularly for parents whose children miss five days of school. The fines for school absence have been increased from £60 to £80, and if left unpaid within 21 days, the amount will rise to £160 instead of £120.
In case the same parent is fined again within a three-year period, the starting fine remains at £160. However, a third penalty notice will not be given during this time. Instead, “alternative action” must be considered, which could potentially lead to prosecution. The DfE reported that nearly 400,000 penalty notices were issued in England during 2022-23 for unauthorised school absences, a significantly high number compared to pre-pandemic levels.
According to the DfE figures released in December, almost 89.3% of the fines were for unauthorised holidays as families sought to plan vacations during cheaper times outside of school term dates. It is crucial for schools and local authorities to adopt a “support-first” approach to assist pupils and their families in overcoming attendance barriers, as outlined in the new guidance.
Paul Whiteman, the general secretary of the school leaders’ union NAHT, expressed concerns about the fines, stating that fines have historically been ineffective in addressing persistent absence and described them as a “blunt tool.” Similarly, Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, acknowledged that while fines are necessary to deter term-time holidays, the focus should also be on providing adequate support for students who miss school.
It is evident that the enforcement of stricter fines for unauthorised school absences has sparked a debate within the education community. While the government emphasizes the importance of good attendance, critics argue that fines may not be the most effective solution. With schools already facing challenges such as teacher shortages and inadequate infrastructure, the emphasis on increasing fines raises questions about the priorities of educational policy.
The implementation of higher fines for unauthorised school absences in England reflects the government’s stance on improving attendance rates. However, there is a need to address the underlying issues that contribute to absences, rather than relying solely on punitive measures. It is essential for schools, parents, and authorities to work collaboratively to ensure that students have the necessary support to attend school regularly and achieve academic success.
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