In an effort to improve post-pandemic attendance rates, the Department for Education announces a significant increase in fines for parents taking children out of school during term time without permission.
Parents in England will soon face increased fines for taking their children out of school during term time without permission, in a government move aimed at improving attendance rates post-pandemic. Beginning in September, the fines will be raised by £20, shooting up from an initial £80 to £160, marking a significant attempt to ensure pupils remain in school for their education. This increase was announced by the Department for Education, highlighting a response to a noticeable uptick in the issuance of penalty notices for unauthorised absences, especially those due to holidays taken during term time.
The enforcement of these steeper fines follows reports of inconsistencies in how local authorities have previously managed such penalties, leading to a push for a more standardized approach across the country. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan underscored the critical importance of regular attendance for achieving educational standards, while also acknowledging the broader challenges, such as mental health and economic hardships, that contribute to absenteeism.
Criticism, however, has emerged from various corners, including from parents grappling with the prohibitive costs of holiday travel during school breaks. A significant difference in travel expenses was highlighted, with costs for flights and vacations dramatically increasing during official school holidays, placing additional financial strain on families. This has sparked a discussion on the balance between education and the economic realities facing parents who wish to travel with their children during more affordable periods.
In light of the fines increase, local authorities and schools are guided to adopt a “support-first” approach, aiming to address the root causes of unauthorised absences while maintaining the emphasis on attendance. Nonetheless, the debate continues on whether higher fines will effectively address the complex issues surrounding school attendance and the impact of this policy on families, particularly in the context of the financial burdens associated with travel during peak times.
