Fines from school

[thisismylife12]

Ok I’ve sat and watched the whole of House of Commons on nothing has been said. Wondering if anyone knows. If you take your child out of school because a parent is very clinically vulnerable and cannot work, and don’t want to take the risk of catching it from school which is not following proper protocol or guidance from the government. Can you still be fined?

You can also write to your MP. Some are more supportive than others! but it might help and I don't think it could do much harm.

I'm an ewo. I doubt anyone will be fined. The provision is still there in law but we are actually decent human beings and wouldn't want to fine in genuine circumstances around Covid.

I don't think they're going to fine either.

Just an update, the school is supporting my through this time and allowing me to homeschool for however long lockdown lasts and until the vulnerable need to take extra precautions. Thankyou for all your advice 😊x

@thisismylife12 fantastic news, I’m really pleased for you.

@thisismylife12 that’s great, schools can use their own judgements. Our school sent out letters saying they expect all children to be in school. However they have allowed my daughter to stay at home this whole time. No fines or arguing.

@thisismylife12

Just an update, the school is supporting my through this time and allowing me to homeschool for however long lockdown lasts and until the vulnerable need to take extra precautions. Thankyou for all your advice 😊x

That's good.

While I think it is vital for the majority to access as normal an education as is practical for its benefits, where there is a specific significant health concern, parents should with the agreement of the school be able to make alternative arrangements.
Fining people trying to protect their health is morally wrong.

I have taken my children out this week as I’m vulnerable. The school seems supportive so far and haven’t mentioned fines. How much are they usually? I read £60 per child per parent? For how long an absence period is that? I’m concerned that if they are out of school for a month or longer there will be cumulative fines we cannot afford!

I also spoke to our secondary school today. It does sound as though they are ok with DC being off school (reasons are a bit complicated, not just covid). So very happy with that.

We have a handful children whose parents never sent them back in September as they too anxious (parents I mean). Our local authority have said they will not be issuing fines and their places will be held.