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Primary school fines

NAS85471

Hello all

im after some advice.

We recently took our autistic daughter on holiday in term time (this was a reschedule or a covid cancelled holiday). I asked for permission from the school and was advised the absence would be unauthorised. I explained we needed to go during school time due to it being quieter to no avail, the school was also fully aware that it had been difficult with our daughter having weekly therapy due to poor mental health (aka she had had a really tough 12 months and we wanted to treat her). 

I’m asking for advice because both my husband and I have been fined separately (we are married and live together). I was expecting the fine but not both of us. I have looked at the local authority website and it does not state of both parents would be fined. I don’t know whether to challenge this or just pay it and save my energy?

Does anyone have any thoughts or experiences? 

  • in reply to Martin

    Thank you all so much. It is my understanding that I need to pay the fines, plural and see if I can recoup the cost. It just feels like another battle. The battles are endless at the moment aren’t they! 

  • If you decide to pay the fines, I would still send strongly worded letters to the headteacher, governors and your MP. Include 'discrimination on the grounds of disability', as this wording often has an impact.

  • in reply to GuybrushThreepwood

    An unreasonable fine is an unjust fine. The authorities who put these things in motion can cancel them, quite easily.

  • Both parents “can be”  fined £60 each if paid within 28 days according to the government website. It sounds a bit unreasonable for them to deny the request given that they know how hard she’s been finding things but I’m not sure it’s something you can appeal without going to court. They have you over a barrel really, pay or be prosecuted 

  • I should add that a direct approach, through formal procedures, of the school board of governors might also be useful. Schools often trot out the excuse that to not fine in one case would normalise the keeping of other children off school. This can be nullified by pointing out the very special circumstances of taking an autistic child on holiday.

  • I also agree with Martin, especially if she is officially diagnosed so you have that to back you up.

    Fine for both parents who live together for the same absence also sounds vindictive to me, it's a fine per incident not per carer!?

    I would make sure to mention that when you complain.

    I would also go on the school's Facebook or whatever they use to voice your concern for the world to hear. You will soon find other parents of the same school in your corner and schools behave when they are scrutinized online in my experience.

  • Sounds as though it is blatant discrimination on the grounds of disability. I think that if your child had been physically disabled and needed specialised accommodation, and it was only available out of term time, there would have been no problem. Because your child has an unseen disability, her welfare is being ignored. I would, if I were you, contact the local authority directly explaining your position fully, and why holidaying at less crowded times of the year is necessary for your daughter. I would consider contacting your MP and, as a last resort, the local press.