Parents could be fined £20 more for taking children out of school following new changes

An increase in fines could see parents now punished more severely for taking their children out of school during term time. Fines for unauthorised abscesses will increase to £20 more a day compared to when it was first introduced in 2013. The fines make up part of a government initiative to improve attendance in British schools

Under the new rules, fines for unwarranted school absences will now cost parents £80 for the first 21 days. However, if a fine isn't paid after this period, it will rise to £160 within 28 days - a £160 fine will also be charged if a parent receives a second fine for the same child within a three-year period.

Meanwhile, fines will be capped at two for three years. Once this limit has been passed, the Department of Education will consider issuing a parenting order or even prosecution.

If a parent attends court because their child has not been attending school, they could be fined as much as £2.500 and it could appear on a parent's DBS certificate as a 'failure to safeguard a child's education'.

When the rules were announced earlier this year, the Department for Education said: "Every moment in school counts and days missed add up quickly. Evidence shows that pupils who have good attendance enjoy better wellbeing and school performance than those who don't.

"There are only a few circumstances where a child is allowed to miss school, such as illness or where the school has given permission because of an exceptional circumstance. However, if your child misses school without a good reason, local councils and schools can intervene and you may be issued a fine. We’re also introducing a new national framework which will mean all councils have the same rules in place for when they need to consider a fine.