Fines double in a year in school absence capital

The number of fines issued to parents in Barnsley for unauthorised school absences by their children more than doubled last year, new figures reveal.

A total of 5,845 penalty notices were issued in the borough for the school year 2023/24 - a 105% increase on the 2,861 dished out in the previous period.

The numbers reflect the introduction of stricter government-set attendance policies, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Councillor Trevor Cave, cabinet spokesperson for children's services at the council, said: "Improving attendance is a priority for us, and we will continue to work with schools and parents to share the importance of preventing term-time absences."

There were also 1,172 penalty notices issued for parents whose children accumulated unauthorised absences despite receiving a warning letter or Notice to Improve (NTI).

These notices were typically the result of ongoing, unexplained absences, rather than a one-time term-time holiday.

So far this school year, Barnsley has issued 2,320 penalty notices for unauthorised absences.

The borough had the highest rate of school fines issued of any council area across England last year, with 183 per 1,000 pupil enrolments.

Under the new system, which applies across England, councils must issue fines in certain cases of unauthorised absence, such as a family holiday not agreed with the school, or when attendance remains low even after a formal warning.

The policy is set nationally by the Department for Education but is administered locally by each council.

Each fine is £80 if paid within 21 days, rising to £160 if not paid within that time. If the fine isn't paid at all, the case can go to court, where parents may face a larger fine or other penalties.

Barnsley Council said the money from paid fines covered the costs of running the system, and that term-time holidays could negatively affect a child's education.

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