Poor attendance in English schools has become a growing issue in recent years, leading to real concern from local and national governments.
To help combat this, new rules have been implemented in England, allowing local authorities to issue large fines to rule breakers.
If you've ever wondered how much you could be fined for taking your child out of school, here is everything you need to know.
When are fines issued to parents for poor student attendance?
Poor attendance has become a growing issue in English schools (Image: David Jones/PA Wire)
According to the UK Government website: "In the majority of cases, schools and local authorities will try and provide support to help you improve your child’s attendance first, but if this isn’t effective or the absence is for unauthorised term time holiday, parents may face paying a fine."
Under the new rules, councils are forced to consider fines when a child has missed 10 or more sessions (5 days) of school for unauthorised reasons.
Previously, it was at the discretion of local authorities to consider when to issue fines to parents, meaning it varied from council to council.
Further action can be taken against parents (Image: Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
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Fines for taking children out of school to increase in England from today
How much could I be fined for taking my child out of school?
Under new rules implemented this month, fines for unauthorised school absences will be £80 if paid within 21 days and £160 if paid within 28 days.
This rate was set to keep fines in line with inflation and is the first increase since 2012.
What happens If I keep getting fined for my child's poor school attendance?
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.
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