Penalties in merton schools for absence

[Sunblushsister]

We would like to take our 5 yr old out of school for a few extra days at the end of the spring term to go to Australia. I just wondered if anyone knows how much you get fined in the Merton borough. The whole thing seems a bit of a mystery as people including the teachers aren't very upfront about the new procedure.

Sunblushsister - the law says that you will be fined for unauthorised absence of £60 per parent per child. your LEA will have a policy and you need to read it as it is specific to your area. in some areas there have been no fines at all - not one. in others they fine for a day off and don't grant leave as exceptional circumstances. go on your LEA website and search for their policy. also ask your school for a copy of their policy. good luck.

Thank you mummymeister - I've just called the council and she said it is still at the head teachers discretion so I'm hoping this can be arranged. It's very odd that every council is different. I hope it doesn't become just another money making scam for the council.