Fines to parents for unauthorised school absences are to increase from Monday in a bid to clamp down on poor student attendance in England.
Children are only allowed to miss out on school if they are unwell or if they have been given permission in advance by a head teacher.
Parents will still be able to ask for absences but these need to be for 'exceptional circumstances'.
Under the current system, it is up to local authorities to decide when to issue fines, meaning the process varies from council to council.
However, under the new rules created by the previous Conservative government, local authorities will be required to consider a fine if a child has missed at least five days of school.
How much will parents be fined for taking kids out of school?
Under the new system, the cost of a penalty charge notice will rise from £60 to £80 if paid within 21 days and from £120 to £160 if paid within 28 days.
What happens to parents who keep getting fined?
If a parent is issued a second fine for the same child within a three-year period, this will initially be charged at £160.
If a third violation is made within three years, a parenting order or prosecution may be considered. Parents taken to court for this matter can be fined up to £2500.
Where is the money from these fines being spent?
The fines collected from poor school attendance should be used by local authorities to help cover the costs of administering the system.
Any funds remaining at the end of the year must be sent to the Education Secretary.
A Department for Education spokesperson said: "High and rising school standards are at the heart of our mission to break down barriers to opportunity and give every child the best start in life. Strong foundations of learning are grounded in attendance in the classroom.
"Tackling the root causes of absence is a major priority for the government.
"Our support-first approach outlined in our guidance is designed to help parents to meet their responsibility to ensure their child attends school.
"However, in some cases, including term-time holidays, it may be necessary to issue penalty notices."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel