IF you don’t want to return your child to school in sept due to Covid, can you make that choice ?

[Lardlizard]

Or will you be fined
Not asking for me as I’m happy to send mine back

The Guardian is pushing an article from an hour ago where schools minister Nick Gibb says fines are back from September, although should still be a “last resort”. I’m not sure it ever really was a last resort, so make of that what you will...

The simple answer is that yes, education remains compulsory and you’re at risk of being fined from September, unless you change your child to home schooling. I believe that can cause issues down the line with getting back into school if you’re in an over subscribed area; though.

I have a couple of friends that feel this way, they don’t want their child returned but are not sure if they are allowed to make that choice
One is shielding as she has serious health problems

Yes compulsory!
I think in the midst of the pandemic regardless of people thinking its getting better, it is not and it is likely with the increase of number due to people being more laps we will see more lockdowns and distruptions. I do feel for people who are NOT comfortable sending their children back to school, especially when like your friend she is at risk.

The ONLY way I can suggest to get round this as I that you can have them as 'home schooled' but that means they will have to withdraw from the school. Unless she is happy to pay the continual fines.
I wont be surprised that many parents will not allow their children to return and then the goverment will have to come up with an alternative. There is a danger for children not to returning whether social, health wise and developement - however I think responsilible parents should be the ones to decide at least till after the winter surge bound to happen, whether they are happy for them to return.

Our children went back 2 weeks ago. Both ours off school today, snotty noses and sore throats. 8 children from my eldest class off, 3 currently being tested as temps over 40. Waiting to hear if positive and we are back in lockdown.
Do not see how schools can possibly fine, absences are going to be huge over winter.

I think there will be those that do not send their children. Unless they have doctors certificates I foresee a warning and then a fine.

As to those that return but then take poorly, for whatever reason, they are noted sick but not fined.