Parents need to be aware of the new school absence fines for 2024
Starting next term, parents could face higher fines if they take their children out of school without permission.
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The government is cracking down on unauthorised absences, with fines going up for the first time since 2013.
Why is school attendance so important?
Good school attendance isn’t just about following the rules–it’s linked to better well-being and academic performance. If you take your child out without permission from the school, you will be charged a higher fine. The new fines are as follows:
PS80 if you pay within 21 days
– up from PS60.
PS160 if you pay within 28 days
- – up from PS120.These rates will be implemented at the beginning of each new term. Parents should therefore be aware.
- From August 2024, these updated fines will be enforced across all councils, making the rules consistent nationwide.When can kids miss school?
Children are only allowed to miss school if they’re unwell or if they’ve got prior permission from the school for what’s called “exceptional circumstances.” This might include things like a family funeral or an important religious event.
However, for families with children who have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), schools and authorities are expected to provide additional support and consider special circumstances before taking any action.
Stricter rules for fines
Until now, local councils were free to decide when to issue fines for school absences. Under the new rules, however, schools will be required to consider issuing a fine when your child misses school for at least five consecutive days. It’s now more likely than ever before that your child will receive a fine if they miss school. Schools and local councils should work with parents to better understand the reasons why children miss school, and offer support in order to improve attendance. If you receive a second fine within three years for the same child, the fee doubles immediately to PS160, even if the payment is made within 21 days.
This shows just how seriously the government is taking unauthorised absences.
What happens if you keep getting fines?
Parents can only receive two fines within three years. The authorities may then take further action. This could be a parenting order that requires you to attend parenting courses or even face prosecution.
And that’s when things get really serious: if taken to court, you could be fined up to PS2,500.
Where does the money go?
So, where does the money from these fines actually end up? According to guidelines from the government, the first thing to do is cover the costs associated with managing the fines system. What happens if you have money left over after paying the fines? The extra money is supposed to be reinvested to help schools improve attendance and give a boost initiatives that keep children in the classroom.
And if there’s still some left in the pot at the end of the year, it’s passed on to the education secretary.
What does this mean for you?
The new fines are a wake-up call for parents. It’s no longer acceptable to pull your child out of school just for a weekend getaway or special event.
With fines increasing and rules getting stricter, it’s more important than ever to make sure your child is in school unless you have a really good reason not to be.
By understanding these new rules, working with your child’s school, and planning your family time around school holidays, you can avoid these costly fines and help your child get the most out of their education.
Ricky Willis is the original Skint Dad. Money-making enthusiast and father to Naomi. He’s always on the lookout for new ways to make a little more money.
