Warning to parents who let their kids skip school for England match this morning
After England fans stayed up late in the early hours of Monday morning (6 July) to watch the World Cup match against Mexico, some parents might be tempted to let their children have a lie-in today.
However, doing so without permission could come with a hefty price tag.
Despite the late kick-off, the government has made it clear that schools in England were not told to start later today, and there has been no change to the rules around unauthorised absences.
Ahead of the match, the Department for Education confirmed schools would not be directed to open later or be more flexible with pupils missing lessons after the game, per The Express.
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Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson previously addressed the issue during a radio interview, saying: "My view remains unchanged. Families will want to watch the game; it’s incredibly important, I understand that.
"But it’s not the end of the world if kids are a bit tired the next day in school; it’s more important that they’re there."
England manager Thomas Tuchel had encouraged parents to let children stay up and enjoy the game.
Star player Jude Bellingham even joked that the celebrations should continue into Monday, urging supporters to forget work and school after the dramatic win.
Speaking after the match, he said via Goal.com: "Text your bosses and tell them you're not coming in, as simple as that."
The midfielder went on to reflect on what the victory meant before adding: "So yeah, kids stay off school, parents don't go to work, enjoy the day. Be with your friends, go down the pub again if you can, and enjoy it because these nights don't come along often."
However, that does not change school attendance rules.
According to Gov.uk, local councils and schools can take legal action if a child misses school without a good reason.
Parents can receive a Parenting Order, an Education Supervision Order, a School Attendance Order or a fine. In some cases, councils can prosecute without issuing one of those measures first.
For unauthorised absences, each parent can be fined £80, rising to £160 if it is not paid within 21 days.
The government guidance states: "Your local council can give each parent a fine of £80, rising to £160 if you do not pay within 21 days.
"From the 2024 to 2025 school year, each parent will only get up to 2 fines for the same child in a 3-year period.
"If you get a second fine in 3 years, it will be £160. If you do not pay the fine in 28 days, you may be taken to court for keeping your child out of school.
"If your child is off school 3 or more times within the 3 years, you will not be fined but may be taken to court."
The exact way fines are issued varies between councils, with some only taking action after a child has built up several unauthorised absences rather than a single missed day.
If a case ends up in court, the consequences can be much more serious.
According to Gov.uk, parents could receive a fine of up to £2,500, a community order or even a prison sentence of up to three months. A court can also issue a Parenting Order requiring parents to attend classes and take steps to improve their child's attendance.
Rhiannon Ingle