Parent carer group worries about school fines rise

Claire Smith, chair of Suffolk Parent Carer Forum, worries about the impact of the increased fines

The chair of the Suffolk Parent Carer Forum said she was worried about how a rise in fines for parents taking their children out of school without permission could impact those who care for youngsters with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Fixed Penalty Notices for unauthorised school absences are set to rise to £80 from August.

Claire Smith said schools should "build strong relationships with families and understand the barriers to attendance and work together to remove them".

A Suffolk head teacher said the government and schools were "right to make attendance a priority", but said "each case has to be considered individually".

The £20 rise in fines was introduced by the former Conservative government, with the then Education Secretary Gillian Keegan saying: "We have to get children back in school."

It is hoped the increased fines, which double if not paid within 21 days, will see attendance levels return to where they were before the Covid-19 pandemic.

One mother, who was spared a fine after being charged with failing to comply with the requirements of a school attendance order, described the move as "disgusting".

Speaking after a hearing at Ipswich Magistrates' Court on Monday, where 17 other parents faced charges relating to school absences, she told the BBC: "I think children learn more having a week's holiday abroad than they do at school. There are more options and you don't need qualifications."

Parents find they can sometimes save thousands of pounds by taking family holidays during term-time

Ms Smith said: "It is really concerning there is talk about increasing fines because we are in a cost-of-living crisis – all you will do is create hardship and push people into food banks.

"Families take term-time holidays, but are they taking those holidays because their child has additional needs and would not cope in July when everywhere is packed?

"It would not be helpful to force a child in against their will and you will not solve problems by fining people."

Philip Hurst, head teacher at Thomas Mills High School and Sixth Form in Framlingham, said: "As with many schools, we have found a difference in attendance post-lockdown and are 2-3% below where we should be.

Philip Hurst, head teacher at Thomas Mills High School, said "each case has to be considered individually"

"The government and schools are right to make attendance a priority, as on balance it makes a big difference to attainment.

"However, each case has to be considered individually and schools try and work hard in removing any barriers so that attendance can improve."