Doncaster Parents Fined for Term-time Breaks
Doncaster Schools have given out one of the highest number of fines for parents who've taken children out of school during term-time.
New figures show that schools in Doncaster have given one of the highest number of fines to parents who've taken their children out of school. 2,177 penalty notices were handed out during the last academic year which was the sixth highest in the country behind places including Lancashire, Bradford and Derbyshire. Tim Mettam, a painter from Balby, came home to a fine of over £300 when he took his three kids away over Christmas. He told Hallam: "We took the kids out - more for them than anyone else. For me, the council make it very difficult for parents to make the decisions themselves. I just think they are twisting the arms of parents, and making the decisions we should be able to make." Jo Moxon, Assistant Director of Learning and Achievement at Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council, said: "It is true that a large number of parents have received fines. This is because of recent changes to guidelines for head teachers made by the Department for Education, making it much more difficult for heads to allow absences for holidays or other reasons during term time. "Doncaster Council’s role here is to administer the fines system in accordance with rules laid down by central Government. Funds are reinvested in improving attendance which in Doncaster remains below national averages in both primary and secondary schools . We are working closely with all schools to educate children and parents on the importance of attendance and its impact on progress and outcomes for children and young people."
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