OnTheWight reader Alix Parsons has been in touch about a new Facebook campaign opposing fines for parents who take their children out of school during term time.
Alix joins a raft of parents from across the country opposing the new penalty system that can see parents fined £60 if their offspring miss school during term time. According to Government policy, this rises to £120 if not paid within 28 days. If parents fail to pay the fine they could be prosecuted.
Massive price hike
The mother of five says that a £350 family holiday booked for January 2014 would cost £1,000 more if taken during the February half-term holiday. She adds,
“This is just as bad as the bedroom tax as once again it only affects the poorer society.
“They should be rewarding good attendance of over 95% with authorised leave of 5-10 days and fining those below. We also feel the no right to appeal is unfair and the fine should be per child only.”
Parents to invoice schools
Parents on a nationally-run Facebook Page also opposing the fines say they intend to invoice schools when the NUT and NASUWT strike goes ahead later next month.
A draft invoice has been created for parents to adapt and use if their child’s school is closed due to the day of strike action.
Worst absenteeism problem in country
Readers may remember our article from last week, reporting John Coughlan, director of children’s services telling the Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel that the Isle of Wight has the worst absenteeism problem in country, “by a mark”.
John’s presentation revealed that on average, one in 12 days is being missed by pupils. An element of this figure relates to the high levels of exclusion that some schools have, but the figure also includes unauthorised absence due to family holidays being taken in term time.
Find out more
Find out more by visiting the Facebook group set up by Alix.
Further reading on the Government’s School attendance and absence
Image: Images of Money under CC BY 2.0
