Is it compulsory to send my child back to school?

[Proudmummy32]

Please forgive my bad English , I am french speaker. I have 2 children in year 1 and 4 and the school messaged me on ClassDojo that my year 1 will start school on Monday 15th of June. I don’t want to send her in and is it compulsory to send her in and if I don’t will the school fined me? Sorry if this same question was asked before by another poster but I didn’t see any , that is why I am asking . Thanks

[maybemaybeII]

I don't think it's compulsory.

Ask the school?

[Mayhemmumma]

No it isnt you just need to tell the school

[MissClarke86]

Nope not compulsory - it’s being wavered currently. I’m a teacher and I’ve read the government guidance.

[happytoday73]

No.
Just let school know.

[SophieB100]

No, it isn't. Don't worry. The Government made it clear that nobody would be fined for not sending their children in. This might change in the Autumn, who knows with our Government, but for the rest of this school year, you have the option.

[Proudmummy32]

Thank you for the comments. I will call school Monday morning

[SophieB100]

Schools need to know OP so that they can accommodate students in their bubbles. They won't judge your decision at all. My school is opening to year 10s from next week, and we have contacted all parents/carers to see how many we can expect, for no other reason than to make those we have safe. No judgement at all.

[louise5754]

School should have already been in touch to ask if your child will be going back. They need to know how many kids are going to sort out the bubbles. Have they not contacted you?

[Proudmummy32]

this morning I saw a call from a number I had no idea who it was but I truly believe it may be the school trying contacting me but I don’t have credit to call back then around 6pm when I checked on ClassDojo and I saw the messages from school. Please this question is for my sister , she has a daughter in reception and her school contacted her on phone on Tuesday to ask if her daughter will go back to school on Monday too, she said she was shy to say no because she taught they will fine or judge her and she said yes , but now she is also don’t want to send her daughter back to school on Monday , please can she call the school on Monday to tells them she change her mind ?

[SophieB100]

Of course she can. Your child, (or your sister's child) your decision. Or she could email them if she finds that easier. There is no obligation to send children in. The offer of education is there - and it is entirely up to parents to decide whether to take it or not. Some will, some won't. Please don't stress about this. (I work in a school by the way, and have been contacting parents this week).

[Proudmummy32]

Thank you so much you have put my mind at ease because I have been really stressing about it since 6pm I saw the message , now I am feeling in peace. I will also tell my sister to stop stressing because her since Tuesday she hasn’t been well and was loosing sleep because she has already agreed and didn’t know how to tell them she changed her mind. Thanks once more

[cabbageking]

It is presently voluntary. As parents confirm they don't want a place we are able to reorganize groups and offer places to other children.

It is understandable to be worried but you may not be able to change your mind later on if the place is not available. The FSM vouchers end on the 15 June and parents need to check if their school is doing a food hamper.

[sunshinepasta]

Education welfare officer here. It is most definitely not compulsory at the moment. Schools have been asked to speak with parents not returning their children, to find out "why", but this is purely to understand the reasons and have an understanding of parents views and circumstances, and not to judge whether they give acceptable reasons.

There are absolutely no fines happening again the moment. It's entirely your choice, Hope that helps