Leading councillors have today (July 16) approved stricter fines for unauthorised school absences.

Warwickshire County Council's cabinet has approved fines of up to £160 for unauthorised absences, reduced to £80 if paid within 21 days.

The local authority says it has already discussed the changes to its Local Code of Conduct with headteachers.

And it said they come as part of the new National Framework introduced by the Department for Education which comes into effect on 19 August 2024. 

Other new measures include a new threshold of five school days of unauthorised absence within a rolling 10-week period for considering penalties.

Schools will make a case-by-case assessment on whether a penalty notice is appropriate when the threshold is met. 

A notice to improve option is also included for cases where support is deemed suitable but not being engaged with. 

A national limit of two penalty notices issued to a parent for the same child within a three-year period has also been approved.

The council says it recognises some pupils find it harder than others to attend school and therefore, and says it will work with schools and parents to "remove any barriers to attendance".

Cllr Kam Kaur, portfolio holder for education, said: "To help children be the best they can be, it is a priority for us to ensure they have access to good and regular education.

"We understand the importance of working with families and schools to make sure children feel safe and able to engage with education and we are committed to a taking collaborative approach with school communities.   

"The new National Framework prioritises a 'support first' approach with an emphasis on working together and strong communication between schools and families with penalty notices only used when necessary."