In a recent survey from the Parentkind charity, it has been revealed that the majority of parents are undeterred by fines for unauthorised absences when it comes to taking their children out of school for family holidays. A poll of nearly 5,500 parents across the UK found that 57% of them have or would consider allowing their child to miss school for a day or more for a term-time holiday. Additionally, the survey indicated that the risk of receiving a fine for such absences would not impact the decision-making of 57% of parents.
The policy in England includes fines for parents if a child misses five days of school without permission, a measure opposed by half of the parents surveyed. With the recent increase in school absence fines in England to £80, as part of government efforts to promote attendance post-pandemic, parents who receive a second fine for the same child within three years could face a £160 penalty. Further actions, such as parenting orders or prosecution, may be considered for repeat offenders, with the possibility of fines up to £2,500 for those prosecuted.
The survey also highlighted concerns around children’s screen time, with 14% of parents noting that their child spends seven hours or more per day on electronic devices outside of school hours. Parentkind is urging the government to address the issue of excessive screen time among children and is supporting a Private Member’s Bill being introduced in Parliament to safeguard children from the negative effects of prolonged screen use.
Financial struggles were also a significant theme in the survey results, with more than one-third of parents reporting difficulties with their finances. The cost of school uniforms, trips, and other associated expenses were identified as sources of financial strain for many families. Some parents even admitted to skipping meals and rationing heating to cope with these financial pressures.
Overall, the Parentkind charity is calling on the government to consider the evidence on smartphone harm, regulate the pricing of family holidays to avoid exploitation, and incorporate strategies to alleviate financial burdens on families in poverty. The charity’s CEO emphasised the importance of listening to parents’ concerns and taking proactive steps to support families in creating a better environment for children’s education and well-being. School leaders’ unions also echoed the sentiment that fines alone are not sufficient to address the underlying issues contributing to pupil absences, advocating for comprehensive support systems and funding for both families and schools.