In a bid to curb absenteeism, the UK government has reaffirmed its stance on fining parents who take their children out of school during term time. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has stated that fines are “here to stay”, citing the negative impact of absenteeism on individual children and the broader classroom environment. With the cost of living on the rise, many parents are finding it increasingly difficult to afford peak-season holidays, leading some to opt for term-time travel and accept the fine as a more affordable option.
However, experts warn that persistent absence can have long-term consequences for children’s academic progress, social and emotional development, and even their future prospects. Lizzie Harwood, of the Association of Christian Teachers, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing education while acknowledging the need for flexibility to accommodate families’ diverse needs:
“Persistent absence has a real impact on their social and emotional development, and that can cause long-term harm. It can damage their future prospects, and be a safeguarding risk.
“As Christians, if we have the benefit and the blessing of education in our society – of incredible quality no matter how much we bemoan the underfunding. Christian parents, although we don’t want to be legalistic, should honour that responsibility that we have to our child’s education.”
However, she recognizes a need for families to have flexibility:
“Fines, generally, don’t seem to work. It doesn’t have the impact we would hope. I think we need to be more imaginative, so families, if they need to, can take some time off if their children have high attendance generally.”
As the fines are set to rise from £60 to £80 per child, parents and educators alike are calling for a more nuanced approach that balances accountability with understanding and support.
Will the government listen, or will parents continue to face the heat? Fingers Crossed.
