That’s the step Natalie Elliott, a 37-year-old mother from Ripley in Derbyshire, decided to make. She just recently started a petition to stop penalizing parents whose children are frequently absent from school. The petition drew incredible public support, bringing in over 180,000 signatures. The government has turned down the request while doubling down on enforcing compulsory attendance, including threats of punishment and retribution.
Elliott describes the current absence process as “not fit for purpose”. He illustrates the burdens families must endure when they find it difficult to remove obstacles to school attendance. Olenick contends that the ultimate penalties are excessive. They don’t consider the economic stress that working families face right now, particularly those who are already having to deal with the rising cost of travel.
In addressing the recent controversy over school attendance, Georgia Gould, the school standards minister, said one would have to be “disengaged” to not see how serious this is. She described the persistent problem as an “absence epidemic.” She stressed the importance of how learning is interrupted when children miss school and the impact it has on their outlook in life.
“We’re committed to tackling this problem because as we heard from many, absence is one of the biggest barriers to opportunity, damaging learning, health and wellbeing, future earnings and employment and each day of lost learning can do serious harm,” – Georgia Gould
Parents who allow their child to miss school without good cause will be issued with a first penalty notice of £80. That’s actually required by law right now. Should this fine not be paid within 21 days, it doubles to £160. Where parents still do not pay after 28 days, we will pursue the case in the magistrates’ court. There, as we mentioned above, they would be liable to fines of up to £2,500. In the most severe scenarios, parents can be placed under community or parental orders, or a term of imprisonment.
Elliott’s petition was brought forward by Conservative MP Robbie Moore, members like him shown here during a recent parliamentary debate. Moore addressed the growing travel cost burden. With this bill it will only become more difficult for families to afford vacations during school break times. He recommended a re-examination of the basis of fine imposition and enforcement.
Elliott thinks that a much broader approach is warranted. She reiterated her worries due to the absence of an appeals process for families that are issued fixed penalty notices.
“As it stands, families are not allowed to appeal a fixed penalty notice,” – Natalie Elliott
To address this issue, she recommended the Administration set up a transparent appeals process. This would provide families the opportunity to contest fines they feel are unfair. Yet this sentiment speaks to a larger concern. Current policies are ill-equipped to address these realities of family and economic life.
Elliott is still committed to fighting for an end to the practice of punishing students with absence limits. Her campaign strongly focuses on achieving a new balance. It strikes an admirable balance between expressing the empowering power of education and recognizing the realities families need to navigate in the world today.
