fixed penalty fine for non school attendance

[lessermo]

Our daughter amongst other things refuses to go to school on ocasions. she has about 92 per cent attendance. We have agreed to Parenting Course, referral to CAMS ( other issues as well). We have asked year head to speak to her, which they have done since november time. We have now been issued with fixed penalty fine, 60 per adult which we have no choice but to pay. We are speaking to young minds. Should we take it to court, or pay, as the chance is that we will get further fines. Please advise

Does she have a diagnosis of anxiety from anyone medical?
I think you are unlucky, DS is just a plain truant, lower attendance than that, & we haven't been slapped with a fine. I wouldn't have any defence for not paying, but you might.

My friend in similar circumstances took it to court and won. The judge bollocked them because the parents were trying their hardest.

That's terrible! I aspire to 92% for DD. She's on about 55%!! Definitely fight it.

Why doesn't she want to go to school? Does she have anxiety or problems there? Does she realize the long term implications, it's not just getting GCSE passes, but general information that's useful in life and making friends which helps with relationships.

If there isn't a good reason, then you have to accept the school won't tolerate it. I know it's not easy for you, but if this happened with DD, then she'd have her pocket money taken offer her until the amount of the fine was paid. If you're likely to get further fines, then you won't be able to keep going back to court.

Luckily my DD goes into school, but on a couple of occasions when I've phoned in to explain lateness or non attendance (ie appointment or illness) and then forgot to follow it up with a letter, they have asked DD every day for letter until she takes it in. I suspect her school wouldn't make many allowances for non attendance until there was a good reason.