In a blink of the eye, summer is almost over, and the autumn new school year looms ever closer. Parents across Oxfordshire need to be aware of significant changes to the fines associated with taking children out of primary or secondary school during term time.
These changes, effective from August 2024, are part of a broader government effort to improve school attendance nationwide, following concerns about increasing absenteeism, particularly for term-time holidays.
While brought in by former Prime Minister Sunak’s Conservative party, Sir Keir Starmer’s new Labour government will still continue with the change.
The new school fines for unauthorised absences in the UK apply primarily to parents or guardians of children at a state-funded school of compulsory school age of 5-16 (technically defined as between the school term after a child’s 5th birthday and the last Friday in June of the school year they turn 16).
They do not apply to nursery’s or independent schools such as private schools or prep schools who have their own framework.
Overview of the Changes
Starting in August 2024, the fines for unauthorised school absences have increased. Previously, parents faced a £60 fine per child, per parent, for each unauthorised absence. This amount doubled to £120 if not paid within 21 days.
Under the new rules, the initial fine is now £80, and it doubles to £160 if unpaid within the same period. This means that if a family with two children takes an unauthorised holiday, they could face a total fine of £320.
The new rules stipulate that schools must consider issuing a fine if a child misses five consecutive days (or ten sessions) of school without authorisation. This is a change designed to standardise the application of fines across different local authorities, ensuring a consistent approach throughout England.
What has also changed, is previously if you took a child out during term-time for 3 or 4 days your local council may still issue a penalty notice and fine, now it’s 5 days. And while the Government page on fines doesn’t state this, but the communication back in February said that parents can only receive two fines within three years before further action would be taken.
It obviously remains to be seen if any action will be taken to limit the price increases of Centre Parcs, holidays and flights during school holidays, but I think we all know the answer on that one.
| Aspect | Previous | New (August 2024) |
| Fine Amount (Initial) | £60 per child, per parent | £80 per child, per parent |
| Fine Amount (After 21 Days) | £120 per child, per parent | £160 per child, per parent |
| Applicability | Unauthorised absences during term-time | Unauthorised absences during term-time |
| Trigger for Fine | Local authority discretion | Five consecutive days of unauthorised absence |
| Legal Consequences of Non-Payment | Prosecution with up to £2,500 fine, community order, or 3 months in jail | Prosecution with up to £2,500 fine, community order, or 3 months in jail |
| Data Sharing Requirements | Schools report attendance data to local authorities | Daily attendance data shared with DfE, councils, and academy trusts |
Rationale Behind the Changes
The increase in fines is part of the government’s strategy to address the rising problem of school absenteeism, which worsened in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department for Education (DfE) has noted a significant increase in the number of penalty notices issued in recent years, with nearly 400,000 issued in the 2022-2023 school year alone. The vast majority of these fines were for unauthorised holidays taken during term time.
Government officials argue that these stricter penalties are necessary to encourage better attendance, which is critical not only for academic success but also for the overall development and wellbeing of children. By raising the fines, the government aims to deter parents from taking their children out of school during term time and to promote the importance of consistent school attendance.
Legal and Procedural Details
Fines are issued by local councils based on reports from schools about unauthorised absences. If parents do not pay the fine within 28 days, they could face prosecution, which may result in a fine of up to £2,500, a community order, or even a jail sentence of up to three months. It is important for parents to understand that these penalties are not just a threat; they are actively enforced, and non-payment can lead to serious legal consequences.
Under the new rules, every state school in England is required to share daily attendance registers with the DfE, councils, and academy trusts. This increased data sharing is intended to help schools and local authorities identify and support children at risk of persistent absence, ensuring that early interventions can be made before absences become a significant problem.
Impact on Parents and Schools
The increase in fines has understandably raised concerns among parents, particularly regarding the financial burden it may place on families. In Oxfordshire, as in other parts of the country, there is some anxiety about how these changes might affect family life, especially for those who have traditionally taken advantage of cheaper holidays during term time.
Schools, too, are impacted by these changes. They must now ensure that they accurately report both authorised and unauthorised absences and work closely with local authorities to enforce the fines. However, there is also a focus on supporting families to improve attendance before resorting to fines. This “support-first” approach is designed to help address the underlying issues that may be causing absenteeism, such as mental health challenges or family difficulties.
Guidance for Parents
To avoid fines, parents should be proactive in understanding the new regulations and ensuring that any planned absences are authorised by the school well in advance. It’s crucial to communicate openly with the school about any potential absences and to seek permission where possible. Additionally, parents should familiarise themselves with their local council’s specific rules regarding fines and absenteeism.
For parents facing difficulties that may affect their child’s attendance, such as health issues or other personal challenges, it’s important to engage with the school early. Schools are required to offer support and work with families to improve attendance, which can help prevent fines from being issued in the first place.
