How much to budget for non-attendence fines?

[thpock]

I have two that will be off. Just wondering how I add up worst-case fines as I'm resigned to just paying them, but from what I read there is a theoretical prison sentence, or they can decide they're not going to give you the option of a simple fine and take you to court instead, or something. Does anyone know how this works? Before anyone asks, yes they are both on isolation (genuine, due to high temperature), but that'll be over soon. I don't want them going back.

If you are going to keep them off indefinitely, bearing in mind that this situation will go on for months, it's probably best to deregister them and home educate. No fines that way.

Maybe this could be the start of mass home education?

Yes, I did look into this. The thing is I'd prefer to pay the fines and keep them registered. They are settled in that school and have friends there. I'm fine with paying 1-2k for this, but I'm wondering if there could be some other aspects I've not thought about.

Also, this won't be indefinite, because the schools will close once the bodies pile up and this plan is failing. If it works and by some miracle the NHS is dealing with it all, then they may as well go back anyhow.

Schools aren’t going to be fining parents for non-attendance during a global pandemic. They just aren’t.