I send my kids to school even when they’re sick & clearly contagious – it’s the only way to avoid fines under new rules
A MUM has shared her confusion over the Department of Education’s fining procedure relating to child absences.
The unnamed woman said she would send her children to school regardless of their health to avoid being charged.
In a post on Mumsnet, the user explained that both her children are suffering with “nasty coughs and colds.”
Despite their illness, the mum decided to send her kids to school over fear of government fines.
“I know that the best thing for them would be [to] rest and [use] their inhalers, I know they are clearly contagious,” she said.
“But under the new rules, as I understand, I would need a doctor’s note or it would be unauthorised absence?”
While she acknowledged that her children weren’t feeling well, the mum pointed out that they still didn’t warrant a doctor’s visit.
“It doesn’t seem right to waste a stretched doctor’s time with this when they don’t need anything prescribing,” she explained.
“So I guess I send them into school and wait for school to send them home and in the meantime they will infect their teachers and classmates?”
The mum-of-two described the updated rules as “a stupid new system.”
She explained that there is a strong possibility her children will be out sick later in the school year.
“They both have chronic conditions so it’s likely they will need quite a number of days off in the year,” she wrote.
She pointed out how her children’s health conditions haven’t hindered their education.
“Despite this, they are both steaming along in top sets,” the mum explained.
“They love learning and hate missing school and would happily do work at home when ill if teachers sent them some [work].”
Mumsnet users shared their thoughts on the situation in the comments section.
“Of course it’s not a good idea. It’s mean and incredibly crappy,” wrote one reader.
Department of Education's fining system
The Department of Education explained the fining system in place to prevent unauthorised absences during term time.
From August 2024, the fine for school absences across the country will be £80 if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days.
If your child misses three or more days of school, a medical note is required from a GP.
Other exemptions for absence include if your child has been given advance permission by the school, your child is observing a religious holiday, or public transport is not available on the day.
Fines per parent will be capped to two fines within any three-year period.
After this, further action will be taken to ensure the welfare of the child or children in question.
If the absence occurs without a good reason, local councils and schools can intervene and parents may be issued a fine.
“Keep them home, call the school and explain. Performance parenting is such a pain in the a**e.”
“Keep them at home. They are ill and need looking after,” said another person.
“Please don’t send your ill children in to school to infect my children,” commented a third parent.
However, others agreed that the fining system made no sense for minor cases of illness.
“It’s a stupid system because no GP will write a sick note for a child for a bad cough and cold,” pointed out one reader.
“It’s like they think parents are conspiring to keep children off!” agreed another Mumsnet user.
“Of course we want them to go to school, we have work and other responsibilities.
“The worrying thing is if it gets recorded as unauthorised, if that happens a few times you could get fined.
“But as if GPs have time to write out sick notes for colds.”