I can't see how the School Bill with it's push for punitive action on attendance is going to help children.
I recently attended a safeguarding training course and the trainer said the wait for CAMHS unless the child was at serious risk was 3 YEARS. The wait for children deemed to be at serious risk was 1 YEAR.
I think it's just not in the best interests of children who have difficulties or their families. It will result in children being forced into school (because their parents can't afford the fines) when it's not safe or healthy for them to be there.
It will also be difficult to get the required attendance if a child has any kind of long term illness or disability that requires regular medical treatment. The attendance targets here are already 97% which just isn't possible for some children.
A petition has been started.
www.change.org/p/updated-attendance-guidance-encourages-prosecution-and-fines-of-families-facing-barriers-to-attendance-undiagnosed-children-with-send-are-particularly-at-risk-time-for-positive-action-for-send-in-education?signed=true