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Original poster

Absence and fines from school

61 replies

MummaPI · 31/12/2020 11:59

I'm not here for a bashing, just genuinely concerned.
I dont want to send my year 5 daughter back to school next week. Does anyone know how absences, fines work in schools? Whats the criteria?

OP posts:
Char2015 · 31/12/2020 12:05

What year is your daughter in OP?

Xerochrysum · 31/12/2020 12:07

Just say she's unwell.

Original poster
MummaPI · 31/12/2020 12:08

Year 5.
Not sure I can get away with saying she's unwell for too long

OP posts:
Unsure33 · 31/12/2020 12:09

I also was meaning to check the gov website as I know my DIL does not want to send her children back as she is CEV . Hopefully she wont get fined .

DewDropsonKittens · 31/12/2020 12:12

After 5 days of unauthorised absence you should be invited to meet with the attendance lead, if you still refuse to send your child they will send you two further warning letters. Then depending on your local authority you may be sent a 30 day warning letter, which says if you don't return or have further absences within the 30 day period the local authority will issue you a fine which can then lead to further prosecution

To be clear... schools don't issue fines. Local authorities do.

Schools are legally obliged to inform the LA when children are not attending.

Original poster
MummaPI · 31/12/2020 12:16

Thank you.
Unauthorised wouldn't be illness would it?

OP posts:
Beebityboo · 31/12/2020 12:17

Well mine will be 'self-isolating' for the first ten days of term regardless. Sending tier 4 schools back on Monday is fucking madness and I won't be part of it and nor will my kids. I'm past giving a shit about lying. I've not been offered any other option and as a disabled parent I now have to take the only options available to protect myself and family. After then we should be able to see what's going to happen. At some point I think they will have to close all tier 4 schools, I can't see the numbers getting better any time soon.

JhsLs · 31/12/2020 12:17

Say you’ve been contacted by Test and Trace and the whole family has to isolate. That way, it is compulsory for the school to provide distance learning for her to complete at home.

anonymous1020 · 31/12/2020 13:21

Hi. I'm an EWO. I made some comments on another thread this morning called shielding and school attendance

anonymous1020 · 31/12/2020 13:22

Sorry shielding and school return

DayBath · 31/12/2020 13:26

@JhsLs

Say you’ve been contacted by Test and Trace and the whole family has to isolate. That way, it is compulsory for the school to provide distance learning for her to complete at home.
Would they ask for evidence? I considered saying the app has told me to isolate and as daughter goes everywhere I do she will have to stay home too, but I don't know much about the app and if they would ask to see a code or something to prove it?
herecomesthsun · 31/12/2020 13:27

I think CEV children officially shouldn't need to go back, they changed the guidance.

peacockfeather11 · 31/12/2020 13:32

If our school hadn't closed I was going to say that my DD has to self-isolate due to being a close contact. I don't think they will ask anymore, I'm sure you won't be the only parent calling them.

covetingthepreciousthings · 31/12/2020 13:34

I've been wondering this, we have decided both children will be kept off at least for next week then we will see where the situation stands with schools / tiers / rates.

AvoidingRealHumans · 31/12/2020 13:43

Tier 4 here and sending mine back but wanted to say that you do not need to provide proof of isolating or anything, they can ask but you don't need to supply it.
In your situation I would say that your child has symptoms but you won't be testing so will isolate as necessary, that will buy you 10 days. Then you could possibly develop symptoms? By that point schools may be closed anyway.
At least giving yourself the 10 days you can see how things go/have a new plan of action.

Tianatiers · 31/12/2020 13:45

I feel the same OP and was crossing everything yesterday that all primary schools would be closed until at least 18th Jan. My DC would be thrilled with an extended Christmas holiday and between me and DH we can work around it.

I'm so torn, I don't want to keep my DC off and pretend they're ill, that's tempting fate in my book. I don't want to be fined. I also don't want them to fall behind their classmates who will all be going back. I'll feel awful if I send them back and I'll feel awful if I don't.

I wish we had decent leadership and that all schools would close. This decision just doesn't make sense. Why are some closing and some opening depending on where you live? I know it's supposedly safer in some areas but it won't be for long once schools open again and it'll create inequality across the country.

Tianatiers · 31/12/2020 13:50

Sorry just realised I've just ranted there and said nothing constructive. My plan is to wait until Monday which is the last day of the holidays and if the government hasn't come to ours senses by then I'll ring or email the school and explain my dilemma. I'm sure I won't be the only one and I'm hoping they'll not fine me for being cautious under the circumstances, or that they'll be able to reassure me.

Char2015 · 31/12/2020 14:06

@MummaPI

Year 5. Not sure I can get away with saying she's unwell for too long
Sorry, you did say that. I read it as 5 year old for some bizarre reason.
user1485461206 · 31/12/2020 14:09

My school issued a letter, after another 5 days of none attendance local authority sent me a letter saying they would be issuing a fine, got the fine the following week and 28 days to pay it or goes up to £1000

covetingthepreciousthings · 31/12/2020 14:20

My school issued a letter, after another 5 days of none attendance local authority sent me a letter saying they would be issuing a fine, got the fine the following week and 28 days to pay it or goes up to £1000

What is the fine? £60 per parent?

Xerochrysum · 31/12/2020 14:24

I thought the same, £60 per parent, and if you don't pay in 28 days, it will double. Do they charge £60 per parent x number of days absent?

starray · 31/12/2020 14:32

In Tier 4, primary not closing...don't want to send child back either. Can anyone help to clarify the fines? Thanks

Original poster
MummaPI · 31/12/2020 14:50

@anonymous1020

Hi. I'm an EWO. I made some comments on another thread this morning called shielding and school attendance
Thanks, just checked that out and very helpful. I dont have any CEV issues just shit scared about sending her and would like to wait and watch for a couple of weeks.
OP posts:
user1485461206 · 31/12/2020 15:56

£60 per parent if you pay within 21 days, £120 per parent if it’s up to 28 days

user1485461206 · 31/12/2020 15:57

I was told by my local authority they can only issue one fine per term, if two fines are issued they can then take you to court