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Original poster

Will I be fined for kids missing school?

36 replies

NameChangedJune · 23/07/2024 08:35

under the new national framework, all schools will be required to consider a fine when a child has missed 10 or more sessions (5 days) for unauthorised reasons

Does anyone know what period this 5 days is calculated over? Per year, term? Or is there no cutoff?

I am taking kids on a holiday for Autumn half term (long distance travel to see relatives and celebrate Diwali in India) which will mean missing 3 days.

I will also take them out for two days in March as I misread the term dates and have booked a holiday before the Easter hol starts. Will I be fined for this, and it will count towards the ‘two fines then prosecute’ new rules?

OP posts:
ACynicalDad · 23/07/2024 09:58

NameChangedJune · 23/07/2024 08:49

Thanks all - is anyone able to point me in the direction of the gov source of the “10 week period” rule?

I'm a governor and I was told they were updating the policy due to DoE advice, not sure on exact document.

Sleepygrumpyandnothappy · 23/07/2024 09:56

flyinghen · 23/07/2024 08:42

It's in a 10 week period. The fines have changed though, first "offence" is normal fine just a bit more expensive. Second offence in 3 years £160 per parent, per child. 3rd offence in 3 years I believe straight to court :/

Will really affect those who rely on taking their children out of school in term time to afford a holiday altogether. Please someone correct me if I'm wrong but that's what I remember reading.

Presumably the point is to “really affect those who rely on taking their children out of school” to encourage them to stop.

flyinghen · 23/07/2024 09:42

NameChangedJune · 23/07/2024 08:49

Thanks all - is anyone able to point me in the direction of the gov source of the “10 week period” rule?

I'm not sure about gov source, we got this message directly from school.

Original poster
NameChangedJune · 23/07/2024 09:16

Allthecatseverywhereallatonce · 23/07/2024 08:59

Not sure this really helps the actual reason some children don't/can't attend school. My dd 16 has just finished school luckily, she has severe anxiety and school refusal, we think related to covid. The school was really not helpful I was doing everything to get her in but, how can you get a screaming and crying 16 year old into school?
At her worst she had 63% attendance.

im sorry to hear this, I totally agree - all they say is: “For children who face complex barriers to attendance, schools should have sensitive conversations with children and families and work with them to put support in place for their individual needs.”

if the school aren’t helping then hopefully as a minimum they have the discretion to authorise the absences as health-related while the issues are supported?!

OP posts:
Allthecatseverywhereallatonce · 23/07/2024 08:59

Not sure this really helps the actual reason some children don't/can't attend school. My dd 16 has just finished school luckily, she has severe anxiety and school refusal, we think related to covid. The school was really not helpful I was doing everything to get her in but, how can you get a screaming and crying 16 year old into school?
At her worst she had 63% attendance.

Original poster
NameChangedJune · 23/07/2024 08:49

Thanks all - is anyone able to point me in the direction of the gov source of the “10 week period” rule?

OP posts:
flyinghen · 23/07/2024 08:42

It's in a 10 week period. The fines have changed though, first "offence" is normal fine just a bit more expensive. Second offence in 3 years £160 per parent, per child. 3rd offence in 3 years I believe straight to court :/

Will really affect those who rely on taking their children out of school in term time to afford a holiday altogether. Please someone correct me if I'm wrong but that's what I remember reading.

Dotto · 23/07/2024 08:40

Fine will be considered if a week or more per term of unauthorised absence, with escalating fees if repeated.

Original poster
NameChangedJune · 23/07/2024 08:38

Amicompletelyinsane · 23/07/2024 08:37

I read it was in a 10 week period

Oh that sounds promising!

OP posts:
Original poster
NameChangedJune · 23/07/2024 08:38

Just to add, other than the odd day or 2 holiday, kids attendance is good (98%) and they are both doing very well, so the school shouldn’t have any concerns other than needing to follow the guidance.

OP posts:
Amicompletelyinsane · 23/07/2024 08:37

I read it was in a 10 week period

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