Parents in Surrey and Hampshire encouraged to send children to school during lockdown

Ahead of lockdown tomorrow (5 November) parents are being encouraged to send their children in to school as usual.

Unlike the first national lockdown, schools, colleges and universities are NOT closing.

A Surrey County Council spokesperson says in a statement it is "vital" youngsters attend - "to support their educational progress, wellbeing and wider social development."

The statement goes on to say the council will take action if children do not go regularly.

"Surrey County Council continues to follow the national guidance in respect of taking legal action in respect of parents or carers who fail to ensure their child's regular school attendance.

"We will continue to work closely with the school and parents or carers in this situation and try to find a positive way forward in the best interest of the child and young person, taking into account all of the circumstances."

Hampshire County Councillor Roz Chadd said schools had worked hard at putting safety measures in place to ensure good attendance.

"Since the beginning of the pandemic Hampshire’s schools have consistently worked hard to keep children and young people in school as far as possible, putting in place COVID-19 secure measures and arrangements to ensure their schools can continue to provide high standards in education.

“Leaders in all education settings have worked hard to secure high levels of attendance by working with parents to explain the arrangements they have put in place to ensure student and staff safety."

She said the local authority was waiting for guidance about fining parents if children were not sent in:

"The use of penalty notices for securing good attendance are a matter for the DfE to determine and we are waiting to see whether guidance will be produced on this matter for schools and Local Authorities to follow.”