Should parents be fined for not sending their children back to school?

There is a ‘moral imperative’ for children to return to classes, School Standards Minister Nick Gibb said.

Fines for parents who refuse to send their children to England’s schools will only be used as a “last resort” as classes resume after the coronavirus shutdown.

Preparations for the return of England’s schools come with Education Secretary Gavin Williamson under intense pressure following the fiasco over the awarding of A-level grades.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has led calls for parents to send their children back to class and the UK’s chief medical officers have said youngsters are more at risk of long-term harm if they do not attend school than if they return.

Mr Gibb acknowledged that some parents would still have concerns but stressed that education was compulsory and fines could be used if necessary.

“Fines for non-attendance have always been a last resort for headteachers and schools,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today.

“What matters is that young people are attending school.

“We live in a country where education is compulsory and I think parents can be reassured that the measures that schools are taking to make sure that we minimise the risk of the transmission of the virus are very effective.”

Local authorities can fine parents £120 – cut to £60 if paid within 21 days – over a child’s absence from school.

What are your views?  Do you have any family members who are concerned about sending their children back to school?