Fines are "too blunt" to cut persistent absence say school leaders

Commenting on a YouGov survey which found that the majority of parents say fines for unauthorised absences would not deter them from taking their children out of school for a holiday, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the school leaders' union, NAHT said:

“Ultimately fines are a blunt tool. Many teachers and leaders are already doing a huge amount to help support children back into school, and attendance figures have started to improve.

“The best way for the government to tackle the causes behind persistent absence is to invest in those services that support both families and schools – which faced devastating cuts under the austerity of the last government. We would like to see key roles like education welfare officers funded again.”