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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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
News
Manchester Pride’s statement in full after performers say they’ve still not been paid
Daisy Jackson
Manchester Pride has released a statement addressing claims that some performers from this year’s festival still haven’t been paid for their work.
The charity behind the huge LGBTQ+ event has shared an update on its future amid public calls for several artists who appeared at the three-day festival to be paid.
The Manchester Pride Board of Trustees has said in a public statement that it is ‘currently in the process of determining the best way forward with our legal and financial advisers’.
Yesterday, a number of artists who appeared at this year’s celebration shared a letter that alleges they are still waiting for payment for their work at the festival, which takes place every August bank holiday weekend.
Those who have spoken out have so far included RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Zahirah Zapanta, singer-songwriter Patrick Saint James, and actor Adam Ali.
The statement from Manchester Pride has also stressed that the welfare of its team and staff is of the utmost importance and pleaded that they be treated with ‘kindness and respect’.
“They have worked hard to deliver pride for decades and we are proud of them,” Manchester Pride wrote. “It is the board that takes responsibility for our decisions based on advice and guidance, and not our staff.”
Manchester Pride added that they aim to provide more details by Wednesday 22 October.
Their full statement is as follows: “We recognise that there has been a period of silence from us, whilst we have taken legal and financial advice. We understand the frustration this has caused and the impact this has. Our intention is to ensure that we speak with honesty, clarity, and care as we move forward.
“Manchester Pride is currently in the process of determining the best way forward with our legal and financial advisers. The aim is to provide additional communications by Wednesday 22nd October. We will provide further information to our communities and stakeholders as well. They deserve this.
“We know that moments like this can raise questions and emotions. We want to ensure that our staff, interns, artists, contractors and suppliers, who are all a part of our community, are heard and considered. The wellbeing and safety of our staff, who are all a part of the wider community is our highest priority.
“We ask that people treat our staff, from the CEO to the interns and volunteers, with kindness and respect. They have worked hard to deliver pride for decades and we are proud of them. It is the board that takes responsibility for our decisions based on advice and guidance, and not our staff.
“As part of this process, we will be reaching out to key stakeholders, partners, and media contacts in due course. Until then, we are pausing further public comment while we focus on clear and careful communication.
“Thank you to everyone who shows solidarity during this time.”
Salford Red Devils have been dropped from the Super League
Danny Jones
Salford Red Devils RLFC have been officially relegated and dropped from the next Betfred Super League season following months of uncertainty both on and off the field.
It’s a nightmare scenario for supporters, but not entirely surprising given their struggles of late.
Revealing the decision this week, the Super League announced that Salford Red Devils will not be competing in the top tier next term, with the upcoming adjusted campaign getting underway in 2026.
Confirming that their IMG grading had been reduced as expected in the wake of recent events, the Greater Manchester side shared an official statement with the fans on Thursday morning, 16 October.
The reaction has obviously been one of deep frustration from a fan base that has been put through the ringer over the past year or so.
Die-hard Red Devil, Andy Roberts, commented in the numerous replies underneath Salford’s post on X: “I’m sorry, but this statement is a complete disgrace. Patronising fans, ignoring the huge elephant in the room. RELEGATION!”
Even neutrals got involved, with one person writing: “I hope someone comes in and saves you. No gloating here, we’re all part of the RL [rugby league] family, and I’ve lost my club before – wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Best of luck getting sorted.”
Another added that he believes this “Has to be the worst piece of comms from any club ever. Might have been better to start with a ‘really sorry we won’t be part of Super League next season’ line.”
Most notably, their dismissal from the division for now has also made way for the return of Bradford Bulls, who haven’t featured in the tournament since 2014, ultimately limping towards liquidation and eventual relegation themselves. Safe to say Salfordians fear the same.
It’s also worth noting that Salford Red Devils’ relegation also comes in tandem with the Super League actually expanding in terms of participants, with 14 teams set to face off in 2026; a dozen are automatically included via the aforementioned gradings system.
The Bulls were restored to the ranks after finishing 10th in the overall IMG rankings, while SRDLFC’s 0.25 point reduction to their total score proved enough to see the Yorkshiremen take their place after more than a decade.
Another two of clubs are still waiting to be named in the roster for next year, with an independent selection panel scheduled to verify their picks this Friday, 17 October.
You can see the club’s ‘divisive’ (to say the least) statement in full HERE and, in the meantime, find out more on the latest twist in this unfortunate tale that went on somewhat behind the scenes down below.
Emily Sergeant -
19th August 2024 
