The new education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has told the BBC that parents should not take their children on term-time holidays and have a responsibility to keep them in school. She warned that there “will have to be consequences” for those who fail to do so, with fines being a “well-established practice” that are “here to stay.” Some parents argue that, when weighing up a fine against the much larger cost of a trip during school holidays, the decision is a “no-brainer.” Nonetheless, local authorities will impose a minimum fine £80 per child, up from £60, on those who take their children out of school without permission for five school days starting in August.
Head teachers have the ability to decide which cases they refer to the council for potential fines. Repeated failure to ensure school attendance can result in a court prosecution, an up to £2,500 fine, a community order, and potentially, a jail sentence of up to three months. Though some parents claim that they have saved thousands by taking their trip during term time rather than during school holidays, Ms. Phillipson has emphasized the importance of honoring parents’ responsibilities. Failing to put a child in school does not just affect that individual child. It can also create a burden on teachers, who have to catch up a child who has missed information.
Additionally, the education secretary has also announced plans for a broad curriculum review of what England’s schools are teaching. The review is set to include not only English and math, but also subjects like music, art, drama, and sports. All children should have a strong academic foundation in primary academic subjects and should have access to other subjects, according to this plan. Schools must follow the national curriculum up to the age of 16, even if they are currently not subject to it, according to the Department for Education.
According to Ms. Phillipson, the Labour government promised to deliver free breakfast clubs across all primary schools, which she is dedicated to fulfilling. She admits, however, that it may take time to do so. The clubs, according to her, will aid in the fight against widespread persistent absence in schools, which is a “big challenge.” Ms. Phillipson has also promised to continue the government-funded childcare hours roll-out, but acknowledges that providing sufficient spaces and the required labor to deliver it would be a daunting challenge
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