Poor school attendance fines treble in three years

The number of parental fines in Nottinghamshire for children’s poor school attendance has risen sharply since the government ban on term-time holidays was introduced,
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Education news

More than 300 fines were issued during the last academic year compared to 85 fines during the 2012-13 year a rise of around 70 per cent, since the law was introduced in September 2013.

A Freedom of Information request to Nottinghamshire County Council revealed

85 Fines were issued during the 2012-13 academic year. 37 were for Holidays in Term-Time and 48 for truancy or repeated absences

196 Fines were issued during the 2013-14 academic year. 129 were issued for Holidays in Term-Time and 67 for truancy or repeated absences.

303 Fines were issued during the 2014-15 academic year. 236 were issued for Holidays in Term-Time and 67 for truancy or repeated absences.

The ban has been opposed by many parents who have called on the Government to take action against holiday companies raising prices at peak times.

Parents are fined £60 per parent per child per period of absence, which rises to £120 if not paid within 21 days.

The regulations enforce a block ban rather than schools and local councils considering each case indivdually.

What do you think to the rise and have you been affected?

Do you think parents should be able to take kids on holiday during term time?

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