Parents face higher fines for unauthorised absences at school
The new rules are coming into force from today (19 August)
Here in Wiltshire and across England, parents face higher fines from today (19 August) if their children are taken out of school without permission.
When the new rules were published, then-Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: "Our fantastic schools and teachers unlock children’s imagination, potential and social skills which is why improving attendance is my number one priority.
"Today we are taking that next step to further boost attendance and I want to thank those who are working with us including teachers and heads.
"Education standards have risen sharply across the country, with Ofsted ratings up from 68% to nearly 90% since 2010 - and pupils’ performance is ranked as some of the best globally - so it has never been more valuable to be in school."
Penalties have increased to ÂŁ80 for every five days of absence, which will rise to ÂŁ160 if unpaid within three weeks.
Nearly 400,000 fines were issued between 2022 and 2023 - most being for unauthorised holidays.
Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Wiltshire Council told us: “The Government has introduced a new national framework which will mean all councils have the same rules in place for when they need to consider a fine. The Education (Penalty Notices) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 come into effect on 19 August 2024.
"This statutory national regulation prescribes that a penalty notice shall be issued for the sum of ÂŁ160 payable within 28 days.
"If the fine is paid within 21 days the amount is reduced to £80. Wiltshire Council is required to comply with the regulations.”
You can read more about the Government's new changes surrounding unauthorised absences on the Gov.UK website.