Parents issued warning over new fines and penalties for school absences just days away
With schools set to reopen across the UK in coming days, parents may receive a penalty notice that can dramatically increase up to a staggering £2,500
As the new academic year approaches, parents are being cautioned that they could face hefty fines or even jail time if they don't comply with fresh regulations.
With the Labour government's first school term in power about to kick off, parents must navigate a series of new laws and guidelines, especially regarding their children's attendance at school.
Education specialists at SimpleK12 have shed light on the potential penalties for non-compliance, warning parents they could be hit with fines up to £2,500 or even face prison sentences.
The teaching gurus have pointed out the various actions schools and authorities can take against persistent absenteeism.
Fines
Parents who don't ensure their child's regular attendance at school might be slapped with a penalty notice, which could escalate to court proceedings and a fine ballooning to an eye-watering £2,500.
The experts emphasized: "This substantial financial penalty underscores the importance the government places on consistent school attendance."
Community Orders
Beyond fines, courts may impose community orders requiring parents to engage in certain activities to tackle the root causes of their child's truancy.
This could involve attending parenting classes or undertaking community service.
Parenting Orders
Courts have now been empowered to issue parenting orders, compelling parents to attend classes or counselling sessions to better meet their family responsibilities. These orders can be in place for up to 12 months.
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Prison time
When it comes to prison time, experts point out that this is reserved for the most serious cases of persistent absenteeism, especially where there's a "blatant disregard for the law", with potential sentences of up to three months behind bars.
A spokesperson from SimpleK12 offered some words of understanding for parents: "We understand that there can be various reasons behind a child's absence, from health issues to family circumstances.
However, it's crucial for parents to communicate with their child's school and seek support where needed to avoid the legal consequences of non-attendance."
