Bigger fines for parents over avoidable school absences

Increasing penalties are designed to give pupils better prospects, the council said

Larger fines for parents who take children out of school during term time are planned in Barnsley.

The change is part of national increase in England to apply from the start of the next school year in September.

It would mean parents whose children miss more than five days of school will be fined £80 per child, an increase of £20, which would rise to £160 if not paid within 21 days.

If a parent takes their child out of school for a second time within three years, they could be fined £160 per child. A third occasion could result in a prosecution.

Should a parent be taken to court and found guilty, the outcome can show on the parent’s future DBS certificate, due to a failure to safeguard a child’s education.

Fines will also be considered when there have been 10 unauthorised (half day) absences in a 10-week period.

A decision to issue a fine to a parent remains the responsibility of an individual school, but the council administers the process.

Barnsley Council's cabinet will discuss the plan on 10 July, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The government has said the new measures are important not just for children’s education, but for their wider development and mental health.

It also aims to create a more consistent approach across England.

Carly Speechley, Barnsley's executive director for children’s services, said: “We are committed to making sure that all children and young people in the borough have access to high-quality education and achieve their full potential.

“Poor school attendance can have a negative impact on academic achievement, social development, and future prospects for young people."

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