Parents in England are facing stricter consequences if their children are taken out of school without permission, as new guidance implemented by the Department of Education (DfE) takes effect. The DfE announced plans to consider fines for unauthorised absence for parents whose children miss more than five days of school. The fines for school absences have been increased from £60 to £80, with a further increase to £160 if the fine remains unpaid within 21 days, rather than the previous £120. If a parent is fined for the same offense again within a three-year period, the fine begins at £160. After that, no third penalty notice will be given – instead, “alternative action” will be established, which may lead to prosecution. The number of penalty notices issued in England for unauthorised school absences in 2022-23 was nearly 400,000, significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Effect of Fines on Families
The latest statistics reveal that almost nine in 10 fines were issued for unauthorised holidays, indicating that families were opting for cheaper vacations outside of school term times. This rise in fines has prompted schools and local authorities to approach these situations with a “support-first” attitude, aiming to assist both students and their families in overcoming barriers to regular school attendance. The guidance suggests the adoption of a “formal attendance contract”, with the option of a family court order if deemed necessary. Fines will only be imposed as a last resort if all other strategies fail to address the issue.
Concerns over the New Policy
While the DfE’s decision to implement stricter penalties for parents of truant children has garnered support from certain education union leaders, others remain skeptical. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT school leaders’ union, expressed reservations about the effectiveness of fines in improving attendance, labeling them as a “blunt tool”. He highlighted the existing challenges within the education system, such as teacher shortages and inadequate school infrastructure, questioning the government’s prioritization of increasing fines for parents. Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, emphasized the negative impact of term-time holidays on a child’s education, stressing the need for a clear message that such absences are not acceptable. Additionally, Barton pointed out that teachers are required to allocate extra time to help students catch up with missed learning, further disrupting the educational process.
This shift towards stricter penalties for unauthorised school absences in England raises questions about the effectiveness of fines as a deterrent. While the aim is to improve student attendance and academic performance, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on families, particularly those facing socio-economic challenges. It remains to be seen whether these harsher penalties will achieve the desired outcome or if alternative approaches to tackling truancy need to be considered.
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