Warning over school attendance rule that ‘catches separated parents out more than anyone’ ahead of new term

SEPARATED parents are being warned over a school attendance rule that could see them landed with a hefty bill this school year. Anyone found repeatedly breaking the rule could be slapped with a fine of up to £2,500. Parents are being reminded of an important attendance rule ahead of the new term Credit: Alamy Stock Photo As part of its Back-to-School co-parenting report, Mediate UK has reminded parents that attendance fines for unauthorised absences are issued per parent, per child. This means that if only one parent decides to take children out of school during term time without authorisation from the headteacher, local authorities can fine both parents. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The report reads: “Penalty notices for unauthorised absence in England are issued per parent, per child. “If one parent takes the children away in term time without the headteacher’s authorisation, the local authority can fine both parents, whether or not the other one agreed to the trip. “A first notice is £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days, rising to £160 after that. ” A second notice for the same child within three years is £160, with no reduced rate. “After two notices in three years the local authority may prosecute, and a court can impose a fine of up to £2,500.” The report also details the new branded uniform limit, which has capped the number of compulsory branded items in state-funded schools in England. Most read in The Sun The new rules will apply from September 1, and limit branded items of uniform and PE kit to three or fewer. Secondary schools may require four if one of them is a tie. Comment now