Calls for a rethink over 'draconian' fines for students missing school in Hampshire

Data from Hampshire County Council and Portsmouth City Council shows 344 fines were issued to parents between April and December 2020 for keeping children out of school.

This is a 96 per cent drop compared to the same period in 2019 when 8,924 were issued.

The main reason for the reduction in fines was the closure of schools between March and June and delayed re-openings later in the year.

However, in line with the previous year 85 per cent of fines in 2020 were administered for unauthorised holidays.

But former National Education Union president and Portsmouth teacher, Amanda Martin, believed fining parents for non-attendance was no longer appropriate.

She said: 'The government needs to regain a lot of trust with parents.

'It's been a very scary time and fining parents is draconian - it is just not the right way forward. We have to look at the reasons they're keeping their kids off and at the bigger picture.

'Some children have really struggled to return to school given all the time off, both from an educational and wellbeing standpoint. There are other ways to work with families on this.'

It comes as schools and parents were left uncertain about whether schools would re-open this January, until a government U-turn on initial plans.

At that time Councillor Suzy Horton, Portsmouth council's education boss, said it was not expected parents would be fined for keeping children at home.

She said: 'Regarding fines for non-attendance, the decision is always made by the school and is primarily based on welfare grounds.

'In the current circumstances we understand the concerns and over the next two weeks before secondary schools return fully we do not expect primary schools to fine parents who are anxious about their child’s attendance.'

A Hampshire County Council spokesman added: 'Parents who are anxious about sending their children into a school are encouraged to speak, in confidence, with the school’s headteacher.'

Fines for non-attendance cost £60 within 21 days or £120 if paid between the 22nd and 28th day.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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