School absence fines for parents to rise by £20

Parents who regularly allow their children to skip school without a valid reason will now face a higher fine of £20. The increase in fines aims to discourage parents from taking their children out of school for non-essential reasons.

Education Secretary, John Smith, stated that children’s education should not be compromised by unnecessary absences and that parents must take responsibility for ensuring their children attend school regularly.

The new fines will come into effect next term and will apply to all parents who fail to ensure their children attend school without a valid reason.