Fewer pupils out of school at start of academic year as absence fines rise
manchestereveningnews.co.ukThe number of pupils in England off school without permission at the start of the academic year has fallen slightly compared with last year, figures suggest.
Data from the Department for Education (DfE) shows the unauthorised absence rate across all schools in England was 2.0% in the week ending September 13, compared with 2.1% in the equivalent week in 2023.
It comes as parents in England face higher fines if they take their children out of class without permission this academic year as part of a Government drive to boost attendance since the Covid-19 pandemic. READ MORE: Dancing boy, 2, killed by falling marble fireplace and TV that wasn't fixed to wall, inquest told School absence fines have increased from £60 to £80 under the changes, and a parent who receives a second fine for the same child within a three-year period will automatically receive a £160 fine.
The DfE has said other actions, such as a parenting order or prosecution, will be considered if a parent exceeds two fines per child within a three-year period, and those who are prosecuted could receive a fine of up to £2,500.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk
