Leeds Council outlines policy on fines for absent kids when schools reopen

But many parents and teachers have concerns about the ongoing risk of Covid-19.

On Sunday, Boris Johnson said the government intended to reopen then for early years pupils, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6.

But he also acknowledged that it "may not be possible" for all schools, adding that the government will support those "experiencing difficulties" to reopen as soon as possible.

On June 15, up to a quarter of Year 10 and Year 12 will be allowed "some contact" to help prepare for exams.

Leeds City Council has said it will leave the decision of whether to restart lessons to individual schools, adding they will ‘not expect every school to open from day one’ as lockdown measures ease.

Last week, the council's education chief, Coun Jonathan Pryor, claimed the government’s advice "just doesn’t work".

He said: “We have one primary school where every classroom can be accessed from outside individually, compared to another primary school where there is a singular door and the school is on a main road, with quite a narrow pavement, meaning social distancing is impossible."

Speaking at the virtual press conference, council leader Judith Blake added: “Even if our schools were able to fully open on June 1, it’s very doubtful how many parents would choose to send them to school because they have such a significant level of concern and a loss of confidence in what they are being told.”

Under normal circumstances, parents can be prosecuted for not sending their children to school.

Warnings are issued first, with fines coming later, but the issue can end up in court if parents do not have a good reason.

The Government has clarified what will happen in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

A spokesperson for the Department for Education (DfE) said: "Whilst there will be no penalty for families who do not send their children to school, families will be strongly encouraged to take up these places - unless the child or a family member is shielding or the child is particularly vulnerable due to an underlying condition."

Leeds City Council confirmed it would be following this policy.

A spokeswoman said: "In line with DfE guidance, there will not be fines for children who do not attend school who would be eligible to do so."

_________________________________________

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. These are challenging times but the team at the Yorkshire Evening Post need your support more than ever in the weeks ahead.

While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you - wherever possible and providing it is safe for you to do so - to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Inevitably falling advertising revenues will start to have an impact on local newspapers and the way we continue to work during this period of uncertainty. So the support of our readers has never been more important as we try to make sure that we keep you connected with the city you live in during this time. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. We need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Our team of trusted reporters are working incredibly hard behind the scenes - from kitchen tables and spare bedrooms - to look at how we can do this and your continued support to the YEP will help to protect its viability in the days and weeks ahead.

For more details on our subscription offers please visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk/YEP, email [email protected] or call us on 0330 4033004

Thank you

Laura Collins

Editor