New School Fines Kick in Today – Parents to Pay More for Term -Time Holidays

• Parents face increased fines for unauthorised school absences as of today.
• The penalty for missing five days now stands at £160 if not paid within 21 days.
• Government aims to boost school attendance with this change.

Starting today, parents who take their children out of school for five or more days without authorisation will face a £160 fine. The government’s updated regulations aim to improve school attendance, particularly following a rise in absences post-lockdown.

Previously, fines were set at £60 if paid within 21 days, but the new rules increase this to £80. Failure to pay on time will result in the fine doubling to £160. This is the first increase in fines since 2012, in line with inflation.

Schools are now required to issue fines when a child misses 10 or more sessions (equivalent to five days) without a valid reason, ensuring consistency across the country. Parents should be aware that they can receive up to two fines within a three-year period. If these fines are exceeded, further legal actions such as parenting orders or prosecutions may be pursued, with potential penalties reaching up to £2,500.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan highlighted the importance of regular school attendance, stating: “Our fantastic schools and teachers unlock children’s imagination, potential and social skills, which is why improving attendance is my number one priority.”

Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, commented: "Parents need to be aware of these changes to avoid unexpected fines. It’s important to balance family time with the legal requirements of school attendance."