How many unauthorised absences can school fine for ?

[Quarterofacenturynow]

Dd has 85% due to health issues . She was off last week with a virus and high temperature (we didn’t need to see the gp) now the school are saying without a gp letter it is unacceptable and unauthorised and we will potentially get a fine . The previous week she had d and v at the weekend but had the mon and Tues off due to the 48 hr rule

It was 3 days off for virus. 48 hours off for d and v neither of which we saw the gp for. How many sessions is that and how many to qualify for a fine?

It would be interesting to know how much money they make in issuing fines to parents and where that money is spent, I’m willing to bet it’s not put back into education!
I know the fines are there because there are sadly parents who wouldn’t send their children to school otherwise, but at the same time I do think it’s more about making money than the needs of the children, otherwise they would take personal circumstances into consideration when issuing the fines.

You’re “allowed” ten sessions in a ten week period, so five days and then it can trigger a fine.

You are “allowed” two fines in a three year period, a third instance in the three year period results in the case being presented at magistrates court.

I think across the board people need to be raising these sort of issues with their MPs to try and get more awareness/discussion about the unintended consequences of these absolutely stupid laws they've brought in.

I don't think people should be fined for taking time off for sickness and they've made it too easy for schools to twist absences like this and throw parents under the bus so it looks like they're doing "something" about attendance because of the pressure schools are under. The whole attendance targets thing needs a complete rethink.

I just Googled my own question - apparently it is spent on the stupid attendance system and the rest is “returned to the government” to pay for their parties

I totally understand your frustration with the schools approach to your daughter's absences, but have you considered asking the GP for a letter covering her ongoing health issue so that school can keep that in their records for future reference if she's off school again with it. Just a thought and hope you get it resolved with the school.

Not the schools though is it, their hands are tied as it's government directed.
Schools I thought now,, have to send notice to improve before sending fine (unless it's a holiday which is a straight fine) your LA may have a different stance but the notice to improve gives you 10 wks in which to 'improve' or if child is absent within that period, get medical evidence, care of chemist, walk in appt slip, gp appt slip may suffice...

None of the money goes to the school. The school have to do all the paperwork to issue the fine (and it's extensive) but the fine itself goes directly to the LA