Headteachers have threatened to undermine the Government’s plan to reopen schools in September by refusing to punish parents who keep their children at home. Teaching unions said many would use a loophole in the law to avoid levying fines on parents failing to send their children to classes. Some headteachers, however, urged the Government to tighten the rules to ensure that parents without a valid excuse are fined for the non-attendance of their children. It comes amid widespread fears that continuing school closures risk harming the life chances of a generation of children. This week, Gavin Williamson, the Education Secretary, is expected to announce that attendance will be compulsory when primary and secondary schools fully reopen in September. That means parents who refuse to send their children to lessons because of coronavirus fears will face fines of £60, rising to £120. If they refuse to pay and are then prosecuted, the maximum penalty rises to £2,500 and three months in prison.
