New penalties for truancy in 2024: What parents need to know

From next term, parents may face higher fines if they take their children out of school without permission.

The government is cracking down on truancy, and fines are rising for the first time since 2013.

Why is it so important to go to school?

Good school attendance isn't just about following rules—it's about well-being and academic performance.

If children attend school regularly, they are more likely to succeed in their studies and have positive social connections that will benefit them throughout their lives.

What is changing?

If you decide to take your child out of school without getting the school's permission, you will be hit with a bigger punishment than before. Here's how the new penalties will work:

• £80 penalty if paid within 21 days: From £60.
• £160 penalty if paid within 28 days: From £120.

These new rates will start at the start of the new term, so all parents need to be aware of them.

From August 2024, these revised fines will be applied to all councils, making the rules consistent across the country.

When can children miss school?

Children are only allowed to miss school if they are unwell or if they are excused from school for what are called “extraordinary circumstances.” This could include things like a family funeral or an important religious event.

However, for families with children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), schools and authorities are expected to provide additional support and consider special circumstances before taking any action.

Strict penalty rules

Until now, local councils have been free to decide when to issue truancy fines.

But under the new rules, schools are told to consider a fine if your child skips at least five days without permission.

That means there is a higher chance of a fine being issued if your child misses school.

Penalties are considered a last resort. Before things get to that point, schools and local councils are expected to work with families to understand why a child might miss school and provide support to improve school attendance.

However, if you get a second fine for the same child within three years, the cost doubles to £160 immediately, even if you pay within 21 days.

This shows how seriously the government takes wrongdoing at work without permission.

What happens if you keep getting fines?

Parents can only receive two fines within three years. After that, the authorities may take things further.

This may mean a parenting order, which may require you to attend parenting classes or even prosecution.

And that's where things get worse: if you're taken to court, you can be fined up to £2,500.

Where does the money go?

So, where exactly does the money from these fines end up? According to government guidelines, the first step is to cover the cost of administering the fine system itself.

But what if there is money left over? That extra money is intended to be reinvested in helping schools improve attendance, giving a boost to programs that keep kids in class.

And if at the end of the year there is still time left in the pot, it will be forwarded to the secretary of education.

What does this mean to you?

The new penalties are a wake-up call for parents. The days of taking your kids out of school for a quick getaway or a special event without facing any consequences are over.

As the fines increase and the rules become stricter, it's more important than ever to make sure your child is in school unless you have a really good reason not to.

By understanding these new rules, working with your child's school, and planning your family time around the school holidays, you can avoid these costly fines and help your child get the most out of their education.