A mother expressed her confusion about the Ministry of Education’s fine procedure regarding children’s absences.
The anonymous woman said she would send her children to school regardless of their health to avoid being charged.
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In a after On Mumsnet, the user explained that both her children are suffering from “nasty coughs and colds”.
Despite their illness, the mother decided to send her children to school, fearing fines from the government.
“I know it would be best for them [to] rest and [use] “I know their inhalers are clearly infectious,” she said.
“But according to the new rules, as far as I know, I need a doctor’s note, otherwise it is considered an unauthorized absence?”
Although she acknowledged that her children were not feeling well, the mother indicated that they still did not need to see a doctor.
“I don’t think it’s right to waste an overworked doctor’s time on this when he doesn’t need a prescription,” she explained.
“So I just send them to school and wait for the school to send them home, and in the meantime they infect their teachers and classmates?”
The mother of two described the new rules as “a stupid new system”.
She explained that there is a good chance that her children will be sick later in the school year.
“They both have chronic conditions, so it’s likely they will need a fair number of days off each year,” she wrote.
She stressed that her children’s health problems did not hinder their education.
“Despite this, they both perform excellently in top competitions,” the mother explains.
“They love learning and hate missing school. They would happily do homework when they are sick if the teachers would give them some extra time.” [work].”
Mumsnet users shared their thoughts on the situation in the comments section.
“Of course that’s not a good idea. It’s mean and incredibly evil,” wrote one reader.
Ministry of Education fine system
The Ministry of Education explained the fine system introduced to prevent unauthorized absences during school hours.
From August 2024, the fine for truancy will be increased throughout the country£80 if paid within 21 daysor£160 if paid within 28 days.
If your child misses three or more days of school, a doctor’s note is required.
Other exceptions for absence include if your child has received prior permission from the school, if your child is celebrating a religious holiday, or if public transportation is not available on that day.
The maximum number of fines per parent is two within a three-year period.
Further measures will then be taken to ensure the well-being of the child(ren) concerned.
In the event of absence without good reason, the municipality and the school can intervene and parents can be fined.
“Keep them home, call the school and explain. Performance parenting is such a pain in the a**e.”
“Keep them home. They are sick and need care,” said another.
“Please don’t send your sick children to school to infect my children,” said a third parent.
Others, however, agreed that the fine system was pointless in cases of minor illness.
“It’s a stupid system because no GP will write a doctor’s note for a child with a bad cough or cold,” one reader noted.
“It’s like they think parents are conspiring to keep kids away!” agreed another Mumsnet user.
“Of course we want them to go to school, we have work and other responsibilities.
“The worrying thing is that if it is registered as unauthorized, you can get a fine if that happens a few times.
“But as if GPs have time to write out doctor’s certificates for colds.”
