Fines for taking children out of school during term time in England are set to increase from today, the Government has confirmed.
After it was reported that nearly 400,000 penalty notices for unauthorised school absences were issued in England from 2022-23 – which was apparently much higher than pre-pandemic levels – the former Conservative Government revealed back in February its plans to “improve attendance” following a worldwide rise in absence and persistent absence.
According to Department for Education (DfE) figures released last December, almost nine in 10 (89.3%) of the fines issues were for unauthorised holidays, generally booked by families looking for cheaper off-peak trips.
Up until this point, the former Government’s plan to improve attendance has already included a number of new measures – including the expansion of so-called ‘attendance hubs’ nationally, the piloting of attendance mentors, and a national awareness campaign said to be aimed at “helping parents”.
But now, the rise in absence fines is set to be the next next measure.
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From the first day of term to the last, the small moments in a school day make a real difference to your child.
Today we've announced further changes to help reduce avoidable absences.
As of today (19 August 2024), parent fines for unauthorised absences will be brought under a national framework to “help tackle inconsistencies in their use”, according to the Government.
Under the new plans, a fine to parents must be considered if a child misses five days of school for unauthorised absence, and alongside this, costs for fines will go up from £60 to £80 if paid within 21 days, and from £120 to £160 if paid in 28 days.
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The former Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, said this rise in fines will ensure all parents are aware of when they might face a fine, and ensure all local Councils are issuing fines “appropriately”.
Plans for the increasing of school absence fines were met with mixed reviews when first announced back in February, with a handful of critics pointing out potential issues with the measure – notably Paul Whiteman, who is the General Secretary of school leaders’ union, NAHT.
Fines for taking kids out of school during term time go up from today / Credit: gov.uk
When the plans were first announced, Mr Whiteman said that introducing a consistent national framework for fines “makes sense”, as there is currently a “significant variation” between how and when local authorities issue fines to parents.
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But he did, however, state that he believes many parents will likely not respond well to the new measure.
Mr Whiteman said: “Parents will likely be surprised that, at a time when schools are struggling to find enough teachers to teach classes, when buildings are crumbling, and when we are in the middle of a crisis in special needs provision, that the Government is choosing to focus on increasing fines for parents.
“Good attendance is obviously critically important, but fines have long proven to be too blunt a tool and largely ineffective at improving persistent absence.”
Featured Image – gov.uk
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Tributes paid as Curzon Ashton FC founder Harry Twamley dies following a ‘long illness’
Danny Jones
Tributes are pouring as local team Curzon Ashton FC have confirmed that club founder Harry Twamley BEM has sadly passed awayat the age of 82.
Based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, the National League North side shared the news on Wednesday morning, with fans across the region as well as up and down the English footballing pyramid paying their respects.
Posting on social media, the Curzon Ashton official accounts wrote: “It is with deep regret that we announce that Harry Twamley (BEM) passed away after a long illness.”
“Our condolences are expressed to Richard and Jayne and to the rest of his family at this time.”
While they explained that a full statement will be shared online in the coming days, the initial announcement on the club website featured heartfelt words from former club chairman Wayne Salkeld, who took over from Twamley back in the 2018/19 season, spending five years at the helm.
Salkeld said: “It’s a sad day for everyone at the club. I was honoured when Harry asked me to become chairman in 2018/19 and I will never forget that day.
“I’m going to miss our phone calls which were every day. Thanks for the memories and we will work hard to keep your legacy going.”
Curzon Ashton director Oliver Newall also shared a touching tribute to the club founder, who set up the club back in 1963, adding: “What an incredible man. Someone who brought Curzon Ashton into the world and whom without we would not have had so many amazing moments and memories.
“The word legend gets thrown around too often… Harry Twamley was a legend and he will be missed so much.” He was joined by numerous fans and other clubs in offering their condolences.
By all accounts, one of the loveliest men in football. (Credit: Screenshots via X)
Other teams paying tribute included Salford City, Saddleworth Cricket Club and nearby non-league outfit, FC United of Manchester.
The lattermost wrote: “From all at FC United, we would like to pay our respects to a legend of the game in Greater Manchester, we ground-shared at Curzon Ashton and saw first-hand what an immense character Harry was.”
Twamley was named in Queen Elizabeth II’s New Year’s Honours list back in 2017 and awarded an Order of the British Empire medal for his services to amateur football. Our thoughts go out to his friends, family, The Nash and their supporters.
Rest in peace to an important local figure and treasured champion of the grassroots game.
Johnny Marr denies Morrissey’s claims about obtaining ‘100%’ of The Smiths trademark
Danny Jones
Johnny Marr has come out to deny the claims made by former bandmate Morrissey that he now controls “100%” of the rights to The Smiths trademark and intellectual property.
In case you missed it, earlier this week Morrissey came out with a statement detailing how Marr had recently obtained “100% trademark rights/intellectual property” and can now tour without him.
Fans were already enjoying drumming up suggestions for singers who could take the iconic frontman’s place on stage but don’t get too carried away, as the former lead guitarist has already come out to refute the allegations.
As per a lengthy statement on his social media accounts, Marr not only rubbishes the rumours that any temporary singer or plans to tour are on the cards but explains that ownership of The Smiths right is still shared with Morrissey – he just simply hasn’t signed a document yet.
A spokesperson for Marr writes: “In 2018, following an attempt by a third party to use the Smiths’ name – and upon discovery that the trademark was not owned by the band – Marr reached out to Morrissey, via his representatives, to work together in protecting the Smiths’ name.
“A failure to respond led Marr to register the trademark himself. It was subsequently agreed with Morrissey’s lawyers that this trademark was held for the mutual benefit of Morrissey and Marr.
As a gesture of goodwill, in January 2024, Marr signed an assignment of joint ownership to Morrissey. Execution of this document still requires Morrissey to sign.”
Responding personally via his representation, the 60-year-old added: “To prevent third parties from profiting from the band’s name, it was left to me to protect the legacy. This I have done on behalf of both myself and my former bandmates.”
He also cleared up more claims made by Morrissey, who said the pair had both been met with a potential and ‘lucrative’ deal to tour together as The Smiths once again, to which Marr has now clarified: “I didn’t ignore the offer; I said no.” At the risk of pointing out the obvious by the way…
hate to break it to Morrissey but Marr has been doing this for years already https://t.co/FL6cGGTZO4
So no, while it might have been registered by Marr and his team, he doesn’t own all of the rights to The Smiths; in actuality, it looks as though the Manchester music legend took steps to make sure that both he and Morrissey maintained shared ownership.
Presuming this response clears up all the speculation surrounding the trademark, the 65-year-old could seemingly have avoided all of this by simply giving his signature and completing the document.
Put it this way, if you were somehow holding out hope for an Oasis AND a Smiths reunion, we wouldn’t hold our breaths…
Emily Sergeant -
19th August 2024 
