Parents Will Face Fines For Refusing To Let Their Children Go Back To School In September

Parents will face fines if they refuse to let their kids go back to school come September.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has reiterated a warning from Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, who explained from the new academic year in September, school attendance will be "a legal requirement".

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Speaking to LBC Radio, Gavin Williamson said: "It is going to be compulsory for children to return back to school unless there's a very good reason, or a local spike where there have had to be local lockdowns.

"We do have to get back into compulsory education as part of that, obviously fines sit alongside that.

"Unless there is a good reason for the absence then we will be looking at the fact that we would be imposing fines on families if they are not sending their children back."

He also said plans on the logistics of sending kids back to classrooms would be set out this week, telling BBC Breakfast: "What we will be doing at the end of this week is setting out further advice as to what the full return of all pupils looks like and giving clear steers to how schools should operate."

The Education Secretary also promised to set out the more "complex" issue of Secondary School pupils, who switch between different classes and subjects several times a day.

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The warning comes after Boris Johnson confirmed all kids must return to school in September.

"We need to get the kids back into school, I want all pupils back in school in September," he said.

For children who don't attend schools, councils can impose a fine of £60 which doubles if it isn't paid within three weeks.

Today, the PM announced funding of £1 billion for 50 school building projects across England.

The money will go towards tackling major projects, which will be revealed later in the year and will begin in September 2021, spanning across a decade long programme.

There will also be a further £560 million for repairs throughout the next school year and £200 million set to go towards further education colleges.

"All children deserve the best possible start in life - regardless of their background or where they live," said Boris.

"As we bounce back from the pandemic, it's important we lay the foundations for a country where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, with our younger generations front and centre of this mission.

"This major new investment will make sure our schools and colleges are fit for the future, with better facilities and brand new buildings so that every child gets a world-class education."

More details on the government's plans to return children to school safely, in September, are expected to be unveiled this week.

Topics: Life News, News, School, Parenting

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot. Get in touch at [email protected].

@lucedevine