Aug 28, 2022, Express: Parents of children struggling to go to school 'living in fear' over new war on attendance https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1661495/parents-children-schools-absence-attendance
A new Schools Bill will bring in stricter rules about absenteeism, including a "children not in school" register. There will be automatic fines for parents whose child is absent more than 10 days in a term, and prosecution for families who receive two fines in a year. But campaigners warn it will unfairly penalise parents of children with complex problems that make attending school a challenge.
Currently a local council can fine each parent £60, which rises to £120 each if not paid in 21 days. If the fine is not paid after 28 days a parent may be prosecuted.
Maddie Roberts, 40, has teamed up with fellow-mum Susan Liverman to set up a petition to axe the new bill. After receiving more than 180,000 signatures it will be presented to parliament next month.
They are working with campaign groups Square Peg and Not Fine in School to fight the bill which they say lacks "the compassion needed to deal with this complicated issue".
Maddie fought her local authority for five years after son Harleigh, nine, was wrongly assumed to be naughty. Teachers suggested she should take parenting classes.
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