UK Parliament may debate school fines after petition

Parliament is considering a debate on school fines for term-time absences, currently set at £80, after a petition with over 119,000 signatures called for change. The petition seeks to allow parents to take children out of school for up to 10 days without fines. Currently, parents can be fined for their child's absences, with penalties increasing if not paid promptly. The petition argues that these fines disproportionately affect families, especially those with children who have special educational needs or disabilities. The Department for Education acknowledged concerns but emphasized the importance of maintaining educational standards. They noted a rise in absences since the pandemic and stated that local authorities should consider individual circumstances before issuing fines.