No fines for school absences in Sandwell this term
Parents who fail to send their children back to Sandwell schools due to concerns over Covid will not be fined this term.
Sandwell Council’s cabinet rubber-stamped the authority’s absence and fines policy for primary and secondary schools at a meeting on Wednesday.
Under the policy, £120 fixed penalty notices will be issued to parents for their children’s non-attendance, although this will be halved if paid within 21 days of the fine being issued.
But Councillor Joyce Underhill said it would not come into effect until the summer term and, instead, officers would work with families to address concerns in the meantime.
Earlier this month, the Government confirmed the mandatory return to school for all children following the coronavirus lockdown.
Councillor Underhill, cabinet member for best start in life, said: “As schools have only just fully reopened, we will be looking to initially work with families and children who may have concerns about returning after the lockdown period.
“For this reason, we will not be fining any parents this term. Instead we will work with the families to encourage children back to school.
“The policy will be implemented from the summer term onwards and we will continue to support families with school attendance going forward.
“I must stress that prosecution of parents is only a very last resort when we have tried all other options and given support to get a child to return to school.”
Meanwhile, the cabinet also agreed to extend the contract for the lateral flow testing to continue at West Bromwich Town Hall.
The current agreement, with Solution For Health, was due to expire on April 8 but will now run for a further 16 weeks until July. Potential extensions beyond that will be utilised if required.
Deputy leader Maria Crompton: “This has been super efficient and is very well run – I’ve been there a few times – so I’m pleased.”
