When Natalie Elliott from Derbyshire launched a petition asking the government to allow parents up to 10 days of school absence without fines, more than 180,000 people signed it. Her message was clear: the current attendance system is not fit for purpose and many parents feel punished rather than supported when their children can’t be in school.
This week, the government responded — and said no.
Why the government said no
School standards minister Georgia Gould told MPs that England is still facing an “absence epidemic.” Since the pandemic, attendance rates have fallen, with some children missing weeks — even months — of school. The minister argued that every day lost has a real impact on learning, wellbeing, and future opportunities.
Under current rules, parents can be fined £80 if a child misses school without a valid reason. If unpaid, the fine doubles to £160, and repeat absences can even lead to court proceedings.
Gould said allowing 10 fine-free days would risk undoing progress in improving attendance — and could send the wrong signal about how important it is to be in school consistently.
Why parents are frustrated
Many families, however, say the policy doesn’t reflect the realities of modern family life. Travel costs, especially during school holidays, can be thousands of pounds higher. One MP told the debate that a family in his constituency was quoted over £1,000 more per person simply for travelling during half term.
Others argue that there’s no clear appeals process for fines — and that the system makes parents afraid to contact schools when their child is genuinely unwell or struggling.
Parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) also say the system lacks flexibility. Holidays can be an important time to recharge, but busy, noisy destinations during school breaks can be overwhelming for many SEND children.
Could there be a middle ground?
While most MPs agreed that attendance matters, several said the fines policy was too rigid. Helen Hayes, chair of the Education Select Committee, suggested the government should work with the travel industry to end “unfair price hikes” during school holidays. She proposed a “family-friendly charter” for companies that spread pricing more evenly across the year — a change that could help ease financial pressures without disrupting children’s learning.
What this means for parents
For now, the government’s position is firm: no fine-free absences. Every missed day still counts, and schools will continue to issue penalty notices where necessary.
However, this debate has shone a light on a growing issue — one that isn’t just about attendance, but about trust, flexibility, and how we support families to do the right thing for their children.
At Walnut Learning, we believe in partnership between schools and parents, not punishment. Open communication, a shared understanding of a child’s needs, and empathy on both sides are key. If your child is struggling with attendance — whether due to illness, anxiety, or other factors — talk to the school early. Many schools can offer support plans or referrals to wellbeing services before fines become an issue.
In summary:
- The government rejected a proposal to allow 10 fine-free school absences a year.
- Ministers say attendance is crucial to learning and wellbeing.
- Parents and campaigners argue for more flexibility and fairness, especially around travel costs and SEND needs.